An investigation into the national construction authority’s challenges in regulating building contractors: the case of Mombasa County

Abstract

Cases of collapse of buildings which lead to subsequent loss of lives and property are prevalent in Kenya. This can be attributed to a variety of reasons which include poor designs and non-compliance, cost cutting and use of sub-standard material, lack of quality control, and use of incompetent contactors(Lidonga, 2014). The NCA is mandated to register and regulate the undertakings of contractors in Kenya. This research aimed at investigating and documenting the challenges of contractor registration and regulation by the NCA. The research adopted a mixed design approach which incorporates both qualitative and quantitative elements of research.A sample population of 89 contractorsfrom Mombasa County and an NCA official were used for this research. Data was collected from contractors using questionnaires and a follow up interview was then conducted with the NCA official in management level. The research concluded that there is a relationship between weaknesses in the NCA regulatory structure and contractor challenges of compliance with regulation since most challenges identified were as a result of human resource constraints in the NCA. These challenges included: Inadequate capacity to detect errant behaviour in contractors by conducting frequent random surveys; Poor enforcement of regulations; Lack of adequate sensitization; and Poor attitude of contractors towards the NCA.The research recommended that the NCA should increase the human capital throughout the country to ensure timely inspections thus getting rid of deterrent contractor behaviour.