Introduction
The National Construction Authority (NCA) regulates contractor categories in Kenya as a way to establish a structured way of classifying contractors in the country. This is a system that is critical for the building and construction industry in the country because it promotes a standardized approach to the industry and therefore, promotes order and organization. Understanding these categories is important to ensure that you have the best and right contractor for your project.
The contractor categories in Kenya are defined by the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011 in the Third section.
This is a step-by-step guide that will help you effectively navigate the framework to inform your decisions concerning the contractors you need to work with.
Step 1: Understand the role and purpose of the National Construction Authority NCA.
It is important to understand and acknowledge the importance and role of the National Construction Authority.
- Its main function is the registration of building and construction projects in Kenya and the accreditation of professionals in that industry including contractors.
- This body coordinates and monitors the building and construction processes in the country ensuring that they operate in their highest standard of quality, safety and professionalism.
Step 2: Explore the requirements needed for Contractor Registration
NCA registration for construction is mandatory and established as law.
- This means that as a contractor, you cannot operate a construction project without meeting specific conditions and being registered.
- These conditions include the demonstration of needed skills, technical qualifications and experience in the industry. It also includes having the correct equipment required for the category of work that you are registering.
Step 3: Explore the classification of Contract works.
- Contractor Categories are clearly outlined in the NCA Act in the section “Third Schedule”.
- Here is a breakdown of the different categories to help you when you want to conduct registration.
Building Works: This category explores the construction and maintenance of buildings.
(a) General Building Contractor
(b) Carpentry/Joinery
(c) Painting
(d) Masonry
(e) Reinforced Masonry Works
(f) Specialized Building Works
Civil Engineering: This category focuses on the construction of infrastructure.
(a) Roadworks
(b) Structural Works
(c) Boreholes
(d) Site Investigation Works
(e) Sewers
Electrical Engineering Services: This category focuses on electrical and electronic systems.
(a) Electrical Installation
(b) Electronic—
(i) Telecommunications PABX, Intercoms and Telephone Wiring
(ii) Electronic communications (Public Address Systems and Conferences Systems)
(iii) Road Communications
(iv) Structured Cabling and Computer Networking Installations
(v) Security Surveillance Systems (CCTV) intruder Alarm and access control systems
(c) Lift hoists, escalators, mechanical ramps, travolators, conveyors and belt installation
(d) Generating Plants and Control Panels
(e) Solar Power Generation and Photovoltaic Cells Installation
(f) Installation of uninterrupted Power Supply Systems (UPS), Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) and Surge Protectors
(g) Retrofitting for Improving Energy Efficiency
(h) Construction of Power Transmission Lines and Installation of Power Distribution Equipment.
Mechanical Engineering Services: This category focuses on the installation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
(a) Plumbing, Drainage and Sanitary Fittings
(b) Refrigeration, cold rooms, Air-Conditioning and Ventilation
(c) Kitchen and Laundry Equipment and refuse disposal systems
(d) Boilers, Incinerators and Pressure Vessels
(e) Solar Heating Systems
(f) Water Tanks, Treatment Plant and Pumping Plant
(g) Compressed Air, Hydraulic, LP and Medical Gas Installation
(h) Cranes and Hoists
(i) Fire Engineering Services
(j) Health club facilities
(k) Borehole equipment
(l) Hospital Equipment
(m) Mobile shelving
(n) Roof rain-water harvesting
(o) Laboratory installations and Fume Cupboards
(p) Swimming pool installation
(q) Oil storage, Pumping Reticulation.
Conclusion
The three above are 3 simple steps that will help you in your registration process as a contractor in Kenya. The Third Schedule of the NCA Act clearly describes the different contractor categories to ensure that you register for the correct categories. It is also important to understand that these categories are established by law and therefore, necessary. The success of your building and construction project will depend on your compliance with the regulations. Therefore, this knowledge will ensure that you comply.