Fire safety regulations in Kenya: a guide for building owners

Fire safety in a Kenyan workplace sits under occupational safety law as well as building rules. The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 is the main statute, and the Factories and Other Places of Work (Fire Risk Reduction) Rules, 2007 address fire risk in workplaces. County requirements and the National Building Code can also apply to the same building.

Why a system can exist and still leave a gap

Owners often assume that installed equipment means compliance. In practice, the useful question is whether the system matches the building as it is used today. A warehouse that has changed its stacking height, or an office converted to a training space, may have outgrown the original design.

What to check first

• Current use: compare the original fire design with today's occupancy, storage and layout.
• Drawings: confirm as-built drawings show the real detection zones, hydrants, sprinklers and pump room.
• Water and power: check that the fire water supply and pump power arrangement match the design calculations.
• Tests and records: keep dated test, inspection and maintenance records that a reviewer can trace to each system.
• Means of escape: have the responsible professional review escape routes alongside the fire services, not separately.

Who can carry out a fire safety audit

The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services approves fire safety auditors under section 23 of the Act and rule 37 of the Fire Risk Reduction Rules (Legal Notice 59 of 2007), and publishes a list. Check that your auditor is on the current list before you rely on the report.

Cost follows the scope

Searches often ask for a fire alarm system price. A reliable figure depends on the building's size, zones, device count, cabling routes and interfaces, so compare quotes on the same device schedule and drawing set rather than on a single total.

Want your fire documents reviewed?

We can review fire drawings, BOQs and design documents remotely. Inspection, certification and authority dealings stay with your local team. Discuss your fire documents.

Sources: ILO NATLEX: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 (Kenya), State Department for Labour: approved fire safety auditors, June 2024. Confirm the current rules and how they apply with a competent local fire professional and the relevant authority.