How Construction Projects Work in Kenya: Our Proven 3-Step Onboarding Process (2025 Guide)

When you decide to build—whether it’s a home, commercial space, or civil works project—one of the biggest challenges is figuring out where to start. Kenya’s construction ecosystem involves designs, approvals, regulations, budgeting, engineering, and actual building work. Without a structured onboarding process, projects can experience delays, unexpected costs, or compliance issues.

At Jokembu Construction Ltd, we’ve refined a simple but powerful 3-step onboarding system that ensures every project begins on solid ground, complies fully with Kenya’s laws, and progresses smoothly from concept to completion.

Below is a complete breakdown of how construction projects truly work in Kenya—and why our approach delivers better outcomes, fewer surprises, and predictable timelines.

Step 1 — Consultation & Concept Development

Every successful construction project begins with clarity. Before any drawing, costing, or approvals, we begin by understanding you.

What Happens During the Consultation Stage

We take time to gather all important project details through a structured, professional process:

Understanding Your Vision & Goals

Type of project (residential, commercial, industrial, roads, civil works)
Preferred design style or functionality
Long-term goals (rental, live-in, resale, expansion plans)

Budget Discussion & Cost Ranges

We guide you through:

Expected cost per square meter (based on 2025 standards)
Material grades and their cost variations
Labour vs. material cost breakdown
Budget planning for contingencies

Site Assessment

If the site is available, our team conducts:

A preliminary site visit
Assessment of topography, access roads, terrain, drainage, and soil considerations

Approval Requirements Overview

We explain which approvals are required based on your project:

County Government approvals
NCA project registration
Kenya Building Code 2024 compliance framework
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) where applicable

Preliminary Cost Estimates

After understanding your needs, we prepare:

A cost range
Timeline estimates
Design guidelines

This stage ensures we align expectations, eliminate unknowns, and prepare a clear foundation for the design and approval phase.

Step 2 — Design, Planning & Documentation

Once the concept is approved, the technical engine of your project begins. This stage transforms your vision into a legally compliant, build-ready plan.

What Happens at the Design & Documentation Stage

Architectural Design

Our architects develop:

Floor plans
Elevations
Sections
3D renders (optional)
All designs comply with the Kenya Building Code 2024 and local county ordinances.

Engineering Designs

Our engineers prepare:

Structural designs (beams, columns, slabs, foundations)
Civil works designs (roads, drainage, water reticulation, sewer systems)
MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) plans where required

Every drawing is cross-checked for safety, durability, and regulatory compliance.

Topographical Surveys & Soil Testing

To ensure accuracy and safety:

A licensed surveyor conducts a topographical survey
Soil tests determine bearing capacity and foundation type

Bill of Quantities (BQ)

Our quantity surveyors prepare detailed costings covering:

Labour and material costs
Work schedules
Material quantities
Allowances for waste and contingencies

The BQ becomes the financial blueprint for your project.

Project Schedules

You receive:

Detailed Gantt charts
Weekly/Monthly timelines
Milestone definitions

Regulatory Approvals

We handle the entire approval pipeline:

County building approvals
NCA project registration (Category 1–7 depending on size)
Health and safety compliance
Where applicable: NEMA, EPRA, WSTF, and public works approvals

This ensures your project is 100% compliant before ground-breaking.

Step 3 — Construction & Project Delivery

With the designs approved, documentation ready, and schedules prepared, we begin actual construction.

What Happens During the Construction Phase

Site Mobilization

Includes:

Workforce deployment
Material delivery
Equipment setup (mixers, scaffolding, earthmovers, etc.)
Site fencing and safety installation

Construction Work (Foundation to Finishing)

We execute all stages with precision:

Excavation & foundation
Structural works (columns, slabs, beams)
Masonry & walls
Roofing
Plumbing & electrical installations
Internal & external finishes
Paving, landscaping, and external works

Our work follows the approved designs and BQ strictly.

Quality Assurance & Inspections

Daily and milestone-based inspections ensure:

Structural integrity
Material quality
Adherence to timelines
Compliance with Building Code 2024

Procurement from Trusted Suppliers

We source from verified manufacturers and suppliers for:

Cement
Steel
Roofing sheets
Tiles
Finishes
Fixtures
This guarantees durability, authenticity, and consistency.

Progress Reporting

You receive:

Weekly updates
Photos and videos
Updated schedules
Cost tracking reports

Final Handover & Defect Liability Period

Once the project is completed:

We conduct a joint inspection
You receive a handover pack (certificates, guarantees, drawings)
A defect liability period begins for free adjustments if issues arise

Why Our 3-Step Process Works Better for Kenyan Construction Projects

1. Predictable Timelines

You know what happens at every stage—and when.

2. Budget Control

The BQ and schedule minimize surprises and cost deviations.

3. Full Compliance

We build strictly according to:

Kenya Building Code 2024
County Government bylaws
NCA regulations

4. Transparency

You receive updates, documentation, and access to project progress.

5. Skilled Professionals

Every stage is handled by licensed architects, surveyors, engineers, and contractors.

6. Quality Assured

From foundation to finishing, we prioritize durability and structural integrity.

Before You Start Building in Kenya—Here Is What You Need (Client Checklist)

Proof of land ownership (title deed, allotment letter, agreement)
Copy of your ID & KRA PIN
Site plan from a licensed surveyor
Budget estimate or range
Soil test report (recommended)
County approval fees
NCA registration requirements

Having these ready speeds up the onboarding process significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (SEO + AI Search Optimized)

1. How long does the approval process take in Kenya?

Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on county backlog and project complexity.

2. Do I need a Bill of Quantities?

Yes. A BQ ensures transparency, prevents budget overruns, and is required by most counties and banks.

3. How long does the onboarding process take?

On average 2–4 weeks—faster for smaller projects.

4. Can you help with NCA registration?

Yes. We handle NCA registration and compliance end-to-end.

5. What is included in your construction service?

Everything from designs, approvals, labour, materials, project management, and supervision to final handover.

Ready to Start Your Project? Let’s Build It the Right Way.

Whether you’re planning a residential home, commercial building, industrial structure, or civil engineering project, our proven 3-step onboarding process ensures you start strong, stay compliant, and complete your project on time.

Call/WhatsApp: +254 723364999

Let’s turn your vision into a lasting structure—built with integrity, skill, and precision.