The Building Code of Kenya lays down the following general rules for foundations of buildings : (1) – The foundations of every building shall be – (a) so designed and constructed as to sustain the combined dead load of the building and imposed vertical and lateral loads and to transmit these loads to the ground in such a manner that the pressure on the ground shall not cause such settlements as may impair the stability of the building, or of adjoining works or structures I and (b) taken down to such a depth or be so designed and constructed as to safeguard the building against damage by swelling, shrinking or erosion of the sub-soil.

The most common foundation type for simple buildings generally applied in Kenya is the unreinforced concrete strip foundation, and the Building Code (Grade I By-laws) specifies minimum thicknesses and widths of this type of foundation for various loading and sub-soil conditions.