If you’re planning to build a house in Kenya, obtaining architectural drawings and finding a contractor are only part of the preparation.
You also need to understand the regulatory requirements that apply to your construction project.
One important requirement is registration with the National Construction Authority (NCA).
The NCA regulates Kenya’s construction industry, including contractor registration and construction project registration.
This guide explains when you need to register your project, which documents are required, how the application process works and what it costs.
Is NCA project registration mandatory in Kenya?
Yes.
According to the National Construction Authority’s official project registration guidance, construction projects in both the public and private sectors are subject to registration requirements.
This includes residential construction projects.
The Authority also makes an important distinction: the responsibility for registering a construction project rests with the developer or property owner, not the contractor.
You may engage an architect, contractor or another professional to help coordinate the process. However, you should still confirm that the registration has been completed.
The NCA states that an owner should apply for registration within 30 days after a construction tender, contract or project is awarded to an NCA-registered contractor.
How much does NCA project registration cost in Kenya?
As of October 2026, the NCA’s published guidance states that construction project registration is free of charge.
This is different from contractor registration and annual contractor licensing, which have their own fees.
However, free project registration does not mean that every regulatory or professional requirement associated with your development is free.
You may still need to budget for architectural services, structural engineering, quantity surveying, county approvals and other applicable statutory processes.
The costs depend on your project and location.
Before beginning construction, ask your professional team to identify which approvals and services are required and obtain written estimates for them.
Documents required for NCA project registration
The NCA publishes a list of documents required when registering a construction project.
For a residential building, these generally include the following.
1. Approved architectural drawings
Your architectural drawings describe the proposed building, including its layout, dimensions and design.
The drawings should have the necessary approvals from the relevant county authority.
An architectural design that has not yet received the required approval is not equivalent to an approved building plan.
2. Approved structural drawings
Structural drawings describe important engineering elements of the building.
These may include foundations, columns, beams, slabs and other structural components.
The drawings should be prepared by appropriately qualified professionals and approved as required.
3. Contractor registration and practising licence
The contractor appointed to undertake the project must be appropriately registered with the NCA and hold a valid practising licence.
The NCA classifies contractors according to their categories and classes of work.
For example, the Authority’s published building-works categories include NCA 8, with a contract value limit of KSh 10 million, and NCA 7, with a limit of KSh 20 million.
Higher categories accommodate larger projects.
A contractor’s registration should therefore be appropriate for both the nature and value of the proposed construction work.
See the official NCA contractor registration guidance for the current categories and limits.
4. Professional consultants’ registration details
Your project consultants must hold the relevant professional registrations and licences.
Depending on the project, these may include an architect, structural engineer and quantity surveyor.
You can verify architectural and quantity surveying professionals through the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.
Engineering professionals are regulated by the Engineers Board of Kenya.
5. Bill of Quantities summary
The NCA requires a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) summary page signed and stamped by the quantity surveyor.
A BOQ is a document that identifies and quantifies construction work.
It can also help contractors prepare quotations using a common scope of work.
For homeowners, a properly prepared BOQ is particularly useful because it makes construction budgets and quotations easier to scrutinize.
6. Signed construction agreement
The registration documentation includes a signed agreement or contract between the developer and the contractor.
This is one reason it is important to establish your contractual arrangements before proceeding.
Your agreement should clearly describe the work, responsibilities, payment arrangements and other relevant conditions.
7. Developer’s KRA PIN
The NCA also requires a copy of the developer’s Kenya Revenue Authority PIN.
8. County and other applicable approvals
The NCA lists county planning approvals and other statutory approvals where applicable.
Depending on the nature and location of the development, additional requirements may arise.
These should be confirmed with the relevant authorities and your professional consultants.
9. Supervision commitment documentation
The NCA also requires supervision commitment letters from consultants or relevant agreements between the developer and consultants.
These documents help establish who has accepted professional supervision responsibilities for the project.
The complete official checklist is available from the NCA project registration page.
How to register your construction project online
The NCA provides an online project registration system.
Here is the general process.
Step 1: Prepare your project documents
Before opening an application, assemble the required drawings, approvals, contractor details, professional registrations and agreements.
Incomplete documentation may delay your application.
Step 2: Visit the NCA project registration portal
Open the official NCA Projects Registration Portal.
The portal provides a registration option for developers applying for construction project compliance documentation.
Step 3: Create a developer account
Follow the portal’s instructions to create an account or access an existing one.
Use accurate project and developer information.
Step 4: Enter your project details
Provide the information requested about your proposed construction project.
Have your approved drawings, contractor information and consultants’ details available.
Step 5: Submit the required documentation
Upload the documents requested by the system.
Check that the information is consistent across your application, drawings and construction agreement.
Step 6: Follow the application status
After submission, follow the instructions provided by the portal and respond to any requests for clarification or additional documentation.
Do not assume that submitting an application automatically means your project has been approved.
Keep copies of your submission and the resulting compliance documentation.
The portal’s current interface and procedural requirements may change, so follow the instructions displayed when you apply.
Is NCA registration the same as county building approval?
No.
These are distinct processes.
County building approvals concern the proposed development and its compliance with applicable local planning and building requirements.
NCA project registration is part of the national construction regulatory framework.
The NCA’s registration checklist specifically requires approved architectural and structural drawings, along with relevant county documentation.
This means that registering a project with the NCA does not eliminate the need for applicable county approvals.
Your architect and other consultants should help establish the correct approval sequence for your development.
What if you’re building a small house?
Do not assume that a relatively small residential project is exempt from NCA registration simply because its construction budget is modest.
The Authority’s published project registration guidance applies broadly to construction projects.
If you are uncertain about the requirements for your particular development, seek clarification directly from the NCA before starting work.
What should you do before appointing a contractor?
Before signing a construction agreement, establish that your project is sufficiently developed for contractors to prepare meaningful quotations.
Ideally, you should understand your proposed building’s approximate floor area, location, finish level and budget.
You should also establish which drawings and approvals are ready.
A preliminary construction estimate can help you decide whether the proposed project is financially realistic before you commit to more detailed work.
For example, a homeowner planning a 200 m² maisonette needs to consider more than the number of bedrooms.
The building’s floor area, design, specifications and location can materially affect the final cost.
For more information, read our guide to construction costs per square metre in Kenya and our contractor-selection guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is NCA registration free in Kenya?
The NCA’s published guidance states that construction project registration is currently free. Other professional and statutory costs associated with the project may still apply.
Who is responsible for registering a construction project?
According to the NCA, the developer or property owner is responsible for ensuring the project is registered.
Can I register a project without an appointed contractor?
The NCA’s published registration requirements include contractor details and a signed agreement with the contractor. If you are still selecting a contractor, prepare the other project documentation and confirm the appropriate registration timing with the Authority.
Do I need an architect to register my project?
The NCA requires appropriately registered professional consultants and approved documentation relevant to the project. Your professional team should establish which services are necessary for your development.
Where can I register my construction project?
Applications can be made through the official NCA project registration portal. The Authority also directs developers to its regional or liaison offices for assistance.
Final thoughts
NCA project registration is an important part of preparing to build a house in Kenya.
The process requires more than submitting a form. Your project needs appropriate documentation, qualified professionals and an eligible contractor.
Preparing these requirements early can help you avoid unnecessary complications as construction approaches.
Before reaching that stage, however, make sure you understand the approximate cost of the home you intend to build.
Need help preparing your project before registration?
If you are still arranging designs, understanding costs or choosing which professionals to speak to, describe your plot and the help you need.
Have drawings and need a contractor? Request construction quotations. Submit your NCA registration through the official Authority’s portal; a MyJenga enquiry does not register your project.