The Role of NCA in Housing in Kenya - National Construction Authority
The construction and housing industry is a rapidly changing one. Hence, there is a need for regulation and oversight authorities to define the boundaries of the sector. With such structures in place, then the safety of houses and construction workers is enhanced among other countless benefits. In Kenya, regulation and oversight of buildings and construction sites is done by the National Construction Authority (NCA).
Image: Construction Kenya
Lots of construction workers and Kenyans actually don't know the exact role of NCA other than demolishing illegal structures. It turns out that the agency has other key roles that are geared towards enhancing the construction industry. Well, sit back and relax, because this guide is all about the role of NCA in housing.
What is NCA?
NCA is an acronym for The National Construction Authority. The agency was constituted in the laws of Kenya under Act No.41 of 2011 to regulate, streamline and build capacity in the construction industry. The body oversees the Kenyan construction industry and coordinates the development to ensure an effective and sustainable industry. This makes sure that all the buildings in the country are fit for staying both legally and physically.
Image: The Standard
What is the Role of NCA?
Well, the Construction Authority has the following core functions:
How NCA Has Shaped the Housing Sector
The authority has firstly listed contractors in good standing. Genuine contractors keep you not only from fraudulent contractors, but also links you to the best-registered ones. This protects you from raw deals. A good contractor shall be able to advise on construction policies and avoid cases of future demolitions or court battles with the government.
The National Construction Authority also enables one to register as a contractor through easy steps on their website.
📋 NCA Project Registration:
NCA's project registration role is a vital step in streamlining the construction industry. The development of the Project Registry has so far facilitated the planning and maintenance of construction records. This in turn makes quality assurance not only easier but also a bit systematic.
The agency also conducts training periodically. According to their website, they have so far trained a total of 20,000 contractors and other construction workers. The course content covers management units such as participating in procurement procedures and setting up construction companies, as well as technical units such as quality control, drawing, plant, equipment, specifications, and quality assurance.
What Does the NCA Red "X" Sign Mean?
When NCA finds any non-compliant building to the NCA standards and regulations, the officer will mark an "X". If your house has the sign, it means:
- The project has never been registered and hence you do not have a certificate of compliance
- The contractor and supervisor executing the construction are not registered
- You did not have approved structural and architectural drawings for the building
- There isn't a signboard near the building to indicate all the professional consulates involved
- No protective gears for workers, compromising health and safety regulations
- Lack of or insufficient hoarding around the site
Image: Medium
Understanding the Mandate of the National Construction Authority (NCA)
The National Construction Authority (NCA) in Kenya oversees and regulates the construction industry to ensure compliance with standards and promote sustainable development. Its key roles include registering contractors, accrediting skilled workers, and monitoring ongoing projects for safety and quality.
Costs and Registration with the NCA
Registering a project with the NCA typically costs 0.1% of the total project cost, with a minimum fee of KSh 5,000. The process involves submitting project details and paying the applicable fee online via the NCA portal.
How to Get an NCA Certificate in Kenya
- Register as a contractor on the NCA portal
- Provide the required documents, including your business registration details and a valid PIN certificate
- Pay the prescribed registration fee
- Wait for your certificate to be processed and issued
Checking NCA Status
- Visit the official NCA website and log into your account
- Navigate to the "Verification" section
- Enter your registration number or project ID to view the status of your application or project
Need Assistance?
Need assistance with NCA processes? Hao Finder is here to help streamline your construction projects. Reach out today!
Hao Finder, being an IT and Real Estate Company established to ease Access to and Management of Housing and Accommodation, it is our moral obligation to guide you through legal procedures in the construction and real estate industry.
📋 NCA Quick Reference
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