When you walk into a hardware store in Nairobi, Mombasa, or any other Kenyan city looking for cement, you'll notice bags labeled with terms like "32.5N," "32.5R," "42.5N," or "42.5R." While manufacturers market these as "general purpose cement," there's a critical misconception that needs addressing: not all general purpose cement is created equal, and understanding the differences between these...
February 2026
Protecting Your Foundation From Tree Roots Trees add beauty, shade, and value to any property. However, when planted too close to buildings, certain tree species can pose serious risks to your foundation. For Kenyan homeowners, this concern is particularly relevant given the prevalence of eucalyptus trees and the widespread presence of expansive clay soils, commonly known as black cotton soil. This...
A provocative question circulating among structural engineering professionals asks: "If you have to commit a reinforcement error, would you rather over or under reinforce an RCC member?" This question, while seemingly academic, represents a dangerous mindset that has contributed to Kenya's alarming rate of building collapses. The reality is stark and non-negotiable: neither over-reinforcement nor...