The construction of 20 buildings, including those bys the National Housing Corporation, in Kisii town has been stopped.
Engineer Chrispus Ndiyo, who is in charge of compliance at the National Construction Authority, yesterday said the buildings do not meet set standards.
“Developers should take the safety of the occupants to heart when building their houses. We have noted with concern that some constructors do work by pure ignorance,” he said.
Ndiyo spoke during an inspection of buildings in the town.
He was accompanied by Central Nyanza regional officer James Cheptinga, Kisii government officials and NCA officials from Nairobi.
Ndiyo said many buildings in the country have collapsed because of poor workmanship and use of substandard materials.
He said some developers engage the services of unqualified contractors.
“I am warning contractors who are not registered with the authority against constructing any building. Only those registered with us are allowed to do so,” Ndiyo said.
He warned developers they risk being jailed if they do not follow construction laws and regulations.
Ndiyo said most of the buildings did not have signboards on site showing who the contractor is, among other requirements.
He said many of the workers in the buildings have no safety gear, which is mandatory.
Ndiyo said investigations into the recently collapsed five-storey building in Jogoo estate is ongoing and those responsible will be prosecuted.
He said the three-day inspection will be crowned with an education forum for all contractors at Ufanisi Resort.
Ndiyo said they will consider Governor James Ongwae’s request to extend the inspection into the villages.
