NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Construction Authority (NCA) will be held accountable for any structural failures in the affordable housing program, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has announced.
This directive aims to ensure that both agencies enforce strict compliance with quality standards in construction materials and practices.
Speaking during KEBS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, Koskei emphasized the government’s commitment to raising the bar for public sector efficiency and accountability.
“We want to ensure that all building materials meet the required standards,” Koskei stated. “No more collapsed buildings due to substandard materials. We will hold both KEBS and NCA accountable for ensuring this, particularly the engineering aspects.”
This declaration is part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency across government agencies.
According to Koskei, curbing malpractice at institutions like KEBS and ensuring adherence to regulations are essential steps in building trust between the public and government.
Koskei pointed out that rogue officers within agencies, especially at ports and the Inland Container Depot (ICD), still pose challenges, undermining service delivery.
To combat this, he called for stricter oversight and the publication of financial statements by all state corporations to improve transparency.
“We’ve developed a policy to ensure that all regulatory bodies take their roles seriously. They must review and enforce the laws that established them, step by step,” Koskei said.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industrialization, Salim Mvurya, also highlighted the critical role of standards in driving Kenya’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.
He pointed to initiatives like County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), which aim to foster innovation and value addition.
“Manufacturing is central to our economic agenda. The success of these industrial parks, in terms of job creation and economic growth, depends on maintaining high standards at every level,” Mvurya explained.
Esther Ngari, the Managing Director of KEBS, underscored the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and importers, in upholding Kenya’s standards.
She acknowledged the growing challenges posed by global developments like climate change and advancements in artificial intelligence.
“Standards are not just regulations—they are a promise to consumers that the products they use are safe and reliable. As we celebrate 50 years, we look forward to strengthening partnerships and promoting sustainability in our standards development process,” Ngari said.
This directive aims to ensure that both agencies enforce strict compliance with quality standards in construction materials and practices.
Speaking during KEBS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, Koskei emphasized the government’s commitment to raising the bar for public sector efficiency and accountability.
“We want to ensure that all building materials meet the required standards,” Koskei stated. “No more collapsed buildings due to substandard materials. We will hold both KEBS and NCA accountable for ensuring this, particularly the engineering aspects.”
This declaration is part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency across government agencies.
According to Koskei, curbing malpractice at institutions like KEBS and ensuring adherence to regulations are essential steps in building trust between the public and government.
Koskei pointed out that rogue officers within agencies, especially at ports and the Inland Container Depot (ICD), still pose challenges, undermining service delivery.
To combat this, he called for stricter oversight and the publication of financial statements by all state corporations to improve transparency.
“We’ve developed a policy to ensure that all regulatory bodies take their roles seriously. They must review and enforce the laws that established them, step by step,” Koskei said.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industrialization, Salim Mvurya, also highlighted the critical role of standards in driving Kenya’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.
He pointed to initiatives like County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), which aim to foster innovation and value addition.
“Manufacturing is central to our economic agenda. The success of these industrial parks, in terms of job creation and economic growth, depends on maintaining high standards at every level,” Mvurya explained.
Esther Ngari, the Managing Director of KEBS, underscored the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and importers, in upholding Kenya’s standards.
She acknowledged the growing challenges posed by global developments like climate change and advancements in artificial intelligence.
“Standards are not just regulations—they are a promise to consumers that the products they use are safe and reliable. As we celebrate 50 years, we look forward to strengthening partnerships and promoting sustainability in our standards development process,” Ngari said.
