Cost modelling for appropriate building and planning standards in Kenya

Prohibitively high building and planning standards are often considered as one of the main obstacles to low-cost housing provision in Kenya. Therefore, several agencies advocate the relaxation of these standards. The main motivation is the anticipated initial cost reduction. In this paper we argue that the extent to which global resource use will be affected has never been adequately quantified. This, apparently, can be attributed to a great extent to the multitude, complexity and interwoven nature of the parameters involved. It is found that the lack of tools available to adequately address this critical question aggravates the problem. Based on literature review and project analysis, the paper proposes a way of systematising the parameters that constitute the impact of revised standards on global cost. It further elaborates a simulation model that facilitates balancing of investment and recurrent costs for a shelter project in a Kenyan secondary town. It is suggested that this cost-modelling method can contribute significantly to better decision making for projects where building and planning standards are questioned, both in the region and beyond.