Author: A4KENYA

Policy.

The Kenya Government recently introduced policy that requires all new large constructions eg hotels, housing estates etc to install solar water heaters. This will go a long way to ensure solar energy is well utilized in the buildings sector of the Kenya Economy.

2. What is the implication .
This requirement will play a role in reducing reliance on fossil fuel/KPLC for water heating. This will also create new business ventures for the solar water heater re sellers. In addition, this will sensitize and create awareness to the public on the need and availability of solar energy as an energy option in Kenya.

Response.

It has now become a common feature to see solar water heaters atop new roofs. Developers have responded well by introducing this since it reduces their overall energy costs , makes the buildings competitive and attractive to tenants sine energy costs are low and also ensures that all Government regulations that ensure solar water heaters are installed are well met.

Architect Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

Like most Nairobi buildings that have recently collapsed, the Ruaka building also collapsed at the point of construction when the 5 th floor slab was being cast.

From the debris, the cause of collapse could be due to unusually thick floor slab, approximately 200mm thick and also unusually deep beams, approximately 800mm deep. The columns were also unusually thin, approximately 350mm by 200mm.
Time aspect.
The construction could have been hurriedly stacked high up, loading the building while the support structure had not completely dried and gained sufficient strength to support the storeys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48iDhuzxIoU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TIF7bax4xg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c8qz0Zqj4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amNSjCK50iA