Building collapses in Kenya have become alarmingly frequent, often resulting in loss of life and financial ruin. While various factors contribute to these failures, most cases stem from avoidable mistakes during design, construction, and maintenance. Here are the key causes:

1. Engaging Unlicensed Individuals

 A structurally sound building starts with a licensed engineer. Hiring unlicensed individuals can lead to poor structural design, increasing the risk of failure. You can always check whether an engineer is licensed through the EBK's website below
https://www.ebk.go.ke/professional-engineers

 2. Lack of Supervision During Construction

 A design is only as good as its execution. The structural engineer must inspect the site at critical construction stages to ensure compliance with the approved design and standards.

 3. Unqualified Contractors – A Fundi is Not a Contractor

 A competent contractor must have a qualified site agent with at least a diploma in civil engineering. Entrusting multimillion-shilling projects to unqualified personnel compromises safety and durability.

4. Use of Substandard Materials

            •          All cement must be KEBS certified to ensure quality.

            •          Steel reinforcements must undergo tensile tests before the project begins and a test certificate issued.

Using substandard materials weakens the structure, leading to potential failure.

 5. Adding Floors Without Consulting a Structural Engineer

 Modifying a building’s load without proper assessment can exceed its design capacity, resulting in dangerous structural overstress. Always engage a licensed engineer before making such modifications.

Adding an extra floor to enhance rental income is acceptable for a residential or commercial building, but it should only proceed after a structural assessment by a licensed engineer to determine its safety and viability.

 6. Ignoring Cracks Instead of Investigating Them

 Cracks are warning signs. Covering them with plaster without professional assessment is like treating a headache without diagnosing the cause—it could be harmless, or it could be a serious underlying problem. Structural integrity should never be assumed.

A Critical Question for You...

How much would it cost to hire a licensed structural engineer compared to the innocent lives and financial investment you’re risking?

Get the Right Person for the Job!!

Safety and quality should never be compromised. Ensure your project is handled by qualified professionals.

Contact us today.