The National Construction Authority (NCA) Executive Director Maurice Akech has directed the cessation of new construction works following flooding in the country.
In a statement, he said the new construction works, especially new excavations and works near waterways, should be halted.
Akech pointed out that excavation in moist conditions poses a risk of failure, which could result in workers' burial or injury.
“Unsecured deep excavations could lead to slope instability and failure, especially with increased moisture and water content which poses a risk of burial or injury to workers,” he stated.
Raging downpours, which are set to continue for the rest of the month, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, have caused widespread devastation. Floods and landslides have been reported nationwide, leaving behind mass fatalities and a trial of ruin.
Did you read this?
Akech pointed out that the extreme downpour could potentially lead to weak temporary structures, such as scaffolding, on a construction site, which could collapse and potentially injure workers.
The government had, as of Friday, reported the death toll linked to flooding at 210, with tens of thousands displaced and property worth millions destroyed.
