The Process of Construction in Kenya

Last Updated 3 weeks ago by Kenya Engineer

Whether you’re putting up a small simba in the village, building a family home, setting up a villa in the city, or investing in a massive development like a shopping mall, understanding the construction process is absolutely essential. Knowing each step—and why it matters—can save you a great deal of stress. This article breaks everything down for you, step by step.

Step 1: Acquiring a Piece of Land

Every construction project begins with land. Before you start sketching ideas or dreaming up floor plans, you must first secure a genuine, verified piece of land.

This is where a lawyer and a land surveyor come in. They will verify the title deed, confirm whether the land is leasehold or freehold, and check for any caveats, encumbrances, or ongoing disputes. This part may feel tedious, but skipping it can cost you years—and a lot of money.

As you acquire the land, you should already have a rough idea of your intended development. Is it a home? A school? A block of apartments? This matters because you will need to bring an architect on board early. You’ll explain your vision, and the architect will confirm whether the land’s zoning rules allow what you intend to build.

For example:

Is the area a low-rise residential zone like Runda, where apartments may not be allowed?
Is it an industrial zone?
Are there height restrictions?

Getting this right from the start prevents costly surprises later.

Step 2: Design

Once the land details check out, the next phase is turning your dream into a design.

By this stage, you must have at least three core professionals:

An architect
A structural engineer
A quantity surveyor

Each of them plays a crucial role. Have a clear design contract that outlines their scope, deliverables, and costs.

Architectural Design

The architect will develop the architectural drawings:

Floor plans
Elevations
3D renders
Sections
Door and window schedules

You will go through several design iterations until you get a version you love. Different architects allow a different number of revisions—ensure this is clearly stated in your contract.

Before the architect closes the design, the quantity surveyor (QS) should provide cost estimates. This ensures the design aligns with your budget. There’s no point falling in love with a design that you can’t afford to build.

Structural Design

Next comes the structural engineer. The S.E. will visit the site to assess:

Soil type
Soil bearing capacity
Water table levels
Other ground conditions

Using this information, they prepare the structural drawings and calculations. These might not look exciting, but they’re what keep your house standing—foundation details, reinforcement sizes, beams, columns, and so on.

Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Design

A building without services is just a shell. Mechanical and electrical engineers design the plumbing, electrical layouts, waste systems, CCTV, AC systems, hot water plans, and more. This removes guesswork for plumbers and electricians during construction.

Bills of Quantities

Once all design disciplines are complete, the QS prepares the Bills of Quantities (BQ). This crucial document shows the estimated cost of the entire project. It helps you avoid starting a project only to stall halfway due to financial strain.

At this stage, have a candid conversation with yourself: Can I truly afford this?
If yes, also allow a contingency budget for unforeseen expenses.

Step 3: Approvals, Permits & Pre-Construction

With the design and costing ready, the next step is compliance and planning.

In Kenya, you must obtain approvals from:

County Government Building Inspectorate
National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
National Construction Authority (NCA)

And in special cases, approvals from KAA, KCAA, or KDF.

You should also apply for water, electricity, and sewer connections at this stage.

Pre-Construction Setup

Before construction begins, certain preparations ensure a smooth and organized site. These include:

A temporary pit latrine
A temporary fence (for safety and security)
Site clearance
A site office/house
A water tank
At least one CCTV camera if possible

These simple steps prevent chaos on-site—no one wants workers relieving themselves on a neighbour’s fence!

Step 4: Construction & Supervision

With everything in place, the contractor can now begin the actual building. You will pay the contractor according to the contract terms, while the architect, structural engineer, and QS supervise the works for quality and compliance.

Their oversight ensures:

You are not overcharged
Materials used are as specified
Work follows the approved drawings
The structure is safe and durable

Step 5: Completion & Occupancy

Once construction is complete, don’t rush to throw a housewarming party just yet. First, obtain an Occupation Certificate from the County Government—the same authority that issued your building permit. This certificate confirms that your building is safe and compliant.

Once you receive it, voila! You officially have a new, legally recognized house.