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Background Info

Background

Ministry of Works Building Nairobi 1960

Ministry of Works Building Nairobi 1960

Public works in general means: Construction and maintenance of Government buildings done under contract and paid in whole or in part out of public funds. All new governments across the world have typically established two key ministries during the formation of government: the Ministry of Interior Security and Public Works. Kenya is no exception and therefore established the Works in the early 1930’s. Kenya was under colonial rule during this period and therefore the founders of the ministry were mainly of European origin.

Several bodies were later established under the Public Works to reinforce its role in the development of the country. The bodies were:

• 1934 - Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (BORAQS)

• 1948 - Department of Staff Training (DST) later Kenya Institute of Highways & Building Technology (KIHBT) (1996)

• 1957 - Kenya Building Research Center (KBRC)

• 2012 - National Construction Authority (NCA)

• 2015 - National Building Inspectorate (NBI) 

Over the years, Public Works has been domiciled in its own ministry and within several other ministries as a department or directorate. We pride ourselves in being the largest consortium of built environment professionals in Kenya and through this team, we have been able to ensure successful completion of projects.

The State Department for Public Works is charged with the responsibility of Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Development. The State Department achieves and maintains excellence in the construction and maintenance of Public buildings and other public works. Assets in the built environment include hospitals, schools, colleges, technical institutes, prisons, courts etc. Assets in infrastructure development include footbridges, sea walls, breakwaters and jetties.

In undertaking its mandate, the State Department for Public Works is guided by several legal instruments which include The Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, African Union Agenda 2063 and Acts of Parliament.

 

Vision

Excellence in regulation, construction and maintenance of public buildings and other public works

 

Mission

To facilitate regulation, construction and maintenance of quality government buildings and other public works for sustainable socio-economic development.

 

Core Values

        i.            Professionalism: 

Staff of the State Department maintain high standards while discharging duties by abiding to ethical considerations on the methods, standards and procedures regarding work.

     ii.            Respect for Diversity:

The State Department recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of individuals as well as treats them with courtesy, considerations and fairness.

  iii.            Teamwork:

The State Department is dedicated to work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with internal and external stakeholders in order to achieve desired results.

   iv.            Customer Responsiveness:

The State Department is committed to uphold customer-focused service delivery.

     v.            Transparency and Accountability:

The State Department practices openness and clarity in accessing information about its services and is accountable to the public for all decisions and actions. It will uphold strong moral principles and honesty in executing its mandate.

   vi.            Inclusiveness and Equity:       

The State Department is committed to consultative and participatory development processes and in service delivery.