Why Buildings Collapse or fall and Other Construction Failures in Kenya

There are many reasons why structural failures occur—the primary reason is that the foundation is unable to support the structure and its weight.

That’s the primary reason.

What could be the secondary reasons?

1. A licensed structural engineer is not involved in the design, and thus, no proper design is carried out.
2. Geotechnical studies/surveys are not carried out or considered when carrying out the structural designs.
3. A licensed structural engineer is not involved in the project supervision.
4. The contractor used substandard materials.
5. Natural causes that were unforeseen could also cause structural failures.

Those are the secondary reasons.

What could be the tertiary reasons?

1. The project owner/client is not aware they need the services of a structural engineer. Why wouldn’t the client be aware that they need the services of a structural engineer? The main reason could be the lack of proper guidance and advice from the project manager or architect. Project managers and architects are aware of the roles of engineers in project design and implementation. If a project goes ahead without involving other professionals such as professional engineers (structural, electrical, mechanical), then the architect or project manager is hugely to blame.
2. The project contractor may have used substandard materials. But the solution to this lies in engaging a licensed engineer in both design and project implementation so that the engineer can supervise and monitor the project all through.
3. Unqualified contractor with unqualified and inexperienced technicians and artisans.

What are the solutions to these challenges?

1. Project managers and architects should take a leading role in advising the project owner/client to engage the services of professional engineers. Not just the structural engineers but also other engineers such as mechanical and electrical. No project should start without the involvement of all engineers. There are cases where some architects ignore the roles of professionals and go-ahead to engage technicians or artisans directly in project implementation without ever involving engineers to design and supervise the systems/works. The reasons as to why they do this are better known to themselves and could have a lot to do with not wanting to share the consultancy fee with other professionals.
2. Engineers should fully own the projects they supervise. Some engineers are spread thin and are overburdened by multiple projects simultaneously and thus may not have adequate time to supervise the projects under their care.
3. Projects’ approvals and regulations should not end after the project is approved. The regulatory bodies and authorities should randomly inspect the ongoing projects to ascertain the involvement of professionals in the entire project cycle. There are cases where some rogue professionals (engineers and architects, etc.) sell their licenses for a pittance for those who want to register their projects with the regulatory bodies. Such crimes should be punished accordingly.
4. Projects should only be awarded to qualified consultants and contractors.
5. Contractors should engage the services of professionals in their team.

Engaging the entire team of professionals in a project will save you money and time. In addition, professionals will ensure they have designed a project that fits your budget using quality materials and fittings.

1. You risk being overcharged by rogue contractors if you are not engaging engineers in your project. Engineers know the market rates for the materials and labour and will thus advise you accordingly.
2. Engineers are engaged in approving materials and thus will ensure quality materials are used in the project.

Professionals engage in the entire project cycle and thus will ensure you get real value for your money.

There are many cases of electrical systems failing and causing fires that damage property and sometimes cause loss of life. This happens if no proper cable sizing and protection system is carried out by a qualified engineer.

Plumbing systems also fail if qualified mechanical engineers are not involved in the entire project cycle.

As Kenyans, we need to start embracing professionalism in the construction sector. We do not need to be policed into doing so.

Greed and corruption will continue eating us and destroying our wealth.

Consultants are not expensive and yet may save you millions or billions of shillings in your project.

Architects need to take a leading role in ensuring that the project client/owner involves all engineers (structural, civil, electrical, and mechanical) in their projects without fail.

Regulatory bodies and authorities play their roles, but it starts with the project owner, the architect and the project manager embracing professionalism.

A list of registered professional engineers can be obtained from the Engineers Board of Kenya website: