The Architectural Association of Kenya has raised an alarm over what it says is a hike in the cost of the building industry.
Speaking during the launch of the 2023 Built Report, the President of AAK Florence Nyole attributed the rise of the cost of building to among others a steady rise in the price of building materials and the cost of fuels.
“The cost surged from KES 34,650-77,500 at the beginning of 2023 to KES 41,600-100,800 by December 2023. This spike was attributed to the increased costs of construction materials and fuel, exemplified by the surge in the price of steel reinforcement bars from KES 140.60 per kg in December 2022 to KES 160.26 per Kg in December 2023, marking a 14.29% increase.’’ She said.
Ms. Nyole said the problem is further precipitated by the rise in the price of steel products. She noted that there has been a steady increase from 20 to 36 percent of the cost of building throughout the country.
“These escalations have been largely a result of the increased import costs influenced by the devalued currency. In addition, land rates have surged by an alarming 6.41-fold since December 2007.’’ She noted.
Meanwhile, the government has challenged the various building institutions in the country.
It instead wants the engineers to find an amicable solution to the challenges facing the building industry.
Speaking at the launch of the report Housing Ministry Secretary Said Athman said the sector still faces challenges despite the dozens of engineers in the country.
‘’The problem lies squarely on the associations. We have so many of these institutions but the challenge still remains,” he said.
He however said the government is committed to ensuring that the affordable housing agenda becomes a reality.
’’As a government we are committed to make this a reality. No time in the history of this country have we had such an initiative,’’ he stated.
The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) was established in 1967 and now boasts a national leading Built and Natural Environments professional association, incorporating Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Town Planners, Engineers, Landscape Architects, Environmental Design Consultants and Construction Project Managers.
As an umbrella association.
It brings together professionals in National and County Governments, the Private Sector and Academia.
The association also acts as a link between professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry including policy makers, manufacturers, real estate developers, financial institutions, among others.
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