Development of Building Regulations in Kenya: Assessing Their Implications for Urban Resilience

Abstract

This research arises from a concern for the impact of urbanization on the quality of life in the cities. In a rapidly urbanizing environment, the tools and instruments of governance are stretched and tested and their agility and versatility is critical for the survival of the cities. Building regulations are one such tool of governance which has crucial importance in the shaping of the physical fabric and spatial quality of the city. The question at the heart of this research explores the efficiency with which the regulations are able to bear this responsibility. Historical survey suggests that this question is critical. The ability if cities to ensure sustenance of life depends in no small measure on the agile regulatory regime. The research uses a qualitative approach to interrogate the available set of regulations and using a datum developed by drawing on historical analysis and expert interpretations of resilience makes conclusions regarding the regulations in place. By employing a robust interpretive strategy, focused on a close reading of the entirety of the regulations, the research draws out the character of the Kenyan building regulations and examines them for effectiveness in securing resilience. The outcome of this examination suggests that the regulations are largely introverted and therefore weak in securing the quality of the shared commons. This is related to the finding that resilience is ultimately anchored in the commons and the vulnerability of the city is premised on the quality of the shared domain. Springing from this, the research makes suggestion on possible areas of reinforcement and brings to light questions that would support further research in this area.