Building And Design Blog

Kenya is facing a disturbing and tragic crisis with an escalating number of building collapses that have claimed lives, left people homeless, and crippled parts of the economy. Cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, experiencing rapid growth, are particularly affected, with substandard construction practices, regulatory loopholes, and corruption being at the core of the problem.
Kenya’s mortgage industry is evolving rapidly, with more people exploring home ownership and property investment. The number of financial institutions offering mortgage solutions has also increased, giving Kenyans a range of products, rates, and terms to consider.
The National Construction Authority Act, 2011 established the National Construction Authority (NCA) to oversee and regulate the construction industry in Kenya. The Act’s primary goals are to promote growth, standardize practices, and ensure quality in the industry.
Soil stabilization is a vital process in the construction industry, particularly in areas where soil conditions are unsuitable for supporting buildings and infrastructure. It involves altering soil properties to improve strength, reduce moisture sensitivity, and enhance its load-bearing capacity. With construction projects becoming more complex and expanding into various terrains, understanding effective soil stabilization techniques has never been more crucial.
Expansive soils, commonly referred to as shrink-swell soils, present one of the greatest challenges in construction. These soils contain clay minerals, such as montmorillonite, which expand when they absorb water and contract when they dry out. This continuous cycle of swelling and shrinking can cause significant structural damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure built on them.
Building on black cotton soil presents unique challenges due to its expansive nature, making construction on such soil tricky. However, with the right knowledge and techniques, you can build safely and ensure the longevity of your structure.

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