The National Construction Authority (NCA) has called on the country’s vast network of informal artisans to embrace higher professional standards, warning that poor workmanship continues to undermine the nation’s building sector.
At the Annual Fundis Conference 2026, NCA urged hundreds of masons, plumbers, electricians, and site supervisors—locally known as “fundis”—to embrace stricter integrity, continuous training, and adherence to building codes.
The authority, which oversees regulation, registration and capacity-building in Kenya’s construction sector, stressed that substandard practices and unqualified labour have contributed to structural failures and building collapses in the past.
“Professionalism on site directly determines the safety, durability, and value of both public and private structures,” NCA officials told attendees.
Unscrupulous contractors and inadequately trained technicians have long been blamed for defective buildings that have sometimes ended in tragedy.
Under existing rules, foremen and skilled tradespeople must hold valid NCA accreditation.
By enforcing stricter adherence to building codes and promoting ethical practices, the authority hopes to transform safety standards on sites nationwide.
Participants were encouraged to reject inferior materials and report violations that could compromise structural integrity.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader ambitions to modernize its built environment as cities expand and demand surges for housing and commercial space.
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