The National Construction Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
Mandatory Solar Energy Zones
The Bill inserts a new Section 23B requiring the National Construction Authority, in consultation with relevant agencies, to designate zones where all new buildings must install solar energy systems. These zones will be selected based on receiving an average of sufficient daily sunshine hours to support effective solar energy generation.
Enforcement of Climate-Resilient Materials
An amendment to Section 5 expands the mandate of the National Construction Authority. The Authority is now required to promote and enforce the use of environmentally sustainable construction materials, designs, standards, and practices that enhance resilience against climate change risks.
New Climate Change responsive Schedule
The Bill introduces a new Fourth Schedule to Cap. 118, which outlines specific climate change responsive mechanisms that must be considered in construction activities. These are categorized into climate resilience, energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials, pollution control, biodiversity protection, and health and safety.
Bill No.
Senate Bills No. 15 of 2025
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 134
Sponsor
Eddy Gicheru Oketch
Background
The National Construction Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch, seeks to amend the National Construction Authority Act (Cap. 118). The primary objective is to integrate environmental sustainability and climate resilience into Kenya's rapidly growing construction sector, mitigating climate change risks while encouraging green building practices.
Key Amendments
Expanding the Mandate of the Authority (Section 5)
The Bill amends Section 5 of Cap. 118 to empower the National Construction Authority (NCA) to promote and enforce the use of environmentally sustainable construction materials, designs, standards, and practices.
Mandatory Solar Installation (Section 23B)
The Bill introduces Section 23B, establishing a mechanism for mandatory solar installations.
- Zone Designation: The NCA will designate specific zones where all new buildings must install solar energy systems.
- Criteria: Zones will be chosen based on whether they receive an average of sufficient daily sunshine hours to support solar energy generation.
- Regulations: The Cabinet Secretary is tasked with prescribing regulations for the effective implementation of these zones.
Climate Change Responsive Mechanisms (Section 42 & Fourth Schedule)
Section 42 is amended to enable regulations governing the manner of incorporating climate-responsive mechanisms into construction activities, as detailed in the newly introduced Fourth Schedule.
New Obligations
Property developers, contractors, and builders must comply with the new climate-responsive standards outlined in the Fourth Schedule during construction activities:
- Climate Resilience: Incorporating designs that withstand extreme weather conditions and integrating green spaces or natural buffers.
- Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-saving technologies and utilizing renewable energy sources.
- Water Conservation: Adopting water-efficient appliances and incorporating rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems.
- Sustainable Materials: Using recycled, renewable, and locally sourced materials, alongside minimizing construction waste.
- Pollution Control: Implementing measures to reduce air, water, and soil pollution during construction, and ensuring safe waste disposal.
- Biodiversity Protection: Preserving existing natural habitats and integrating green roofs or green walls to support urban biodiversity.
- Health and Safety: Ensuring optimal indoor air quality, natural lighting, and using non-toxic, low-emission materials.
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