The Dangerous State of Buildings in Nairobi

Have you ever taken time to think about some of the elements that one should consider before moving into a rented house in Nairobi? When moving around searching for a house, do you take time to inspect the state of that building before making up your mind? Is the building you are living in well build and on solid ground?

Read: Things to Consider Before Investing in Rental Property.

When it comes to house searching, most of us only consider rent, amenities and the location of the house. We do not mind all the other factors starting from the mode of construction, surroundings of that building and whether the rules and regulations for construction of buildings was followed to the latter by the owner of that building.

According to Section A-73 of the Planning and Building regulations (2009) of Kenya, the following are the rules and regulations to be followed in case of any construction process:

AA19 CONSTRUCTION

• AA19.1

All workmanship in the erection of any building shall be in accordance with sound building practice.

• AA19.2

Any building, including any structural element or component thereof, shall be constructed so as to comply with the design requirements of these Regulations.

• AA19.3

Where any Act or document has been used as a basis for the design of any building, any construction procedure described in such Act or document shall be observed in the erection of such building.

• AA19.4

Precautions shall be taken during all stages of construction or any building to ensure that the structural system is not damaged or distorted during the course or erection of such building.

AA20 INSTALLATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION

• AA20.1

The Owner of any building shall ensure that any mechanical equipment or any service installation provided in or in connection with such building, pursuant to these Regulations or pursuant to any building by-law which was in operation prior to the coming into operation of the Act, shall be maintained in a safe condition.

• AA20.2

Such Owner or any person appointed by such owner to be in control of such building shall ensure that where such equipment or installation is designed to be kept operating during the times of normal occupancy of the building it is kept operating in safe and satisfactory a manner.

• AA20.3

The Authority may serve a notice on such Owner or person requiring him to comply with sub-regulation AA20.1 within the time specified in such notice.

• AA20.4

The Authority may, by notice, in writing to the owner, order the evacuation of such building where the state of such equipment or installation will cause conditions which in the opinion of The Authority may be detrimental to the safety or health of the occupiers or users of such building.

• AA20.5

Any Owner or person who contravenes the requirements of this Regulation, or who fails to comply with any notice served in terms of sub-regulation AA20.3 shall be guilty of an offence.

Article by Vera Shawiza.