Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially lifted the suspension on the approval of architectural plans and excavations for new construction sites. This suspension had been in effect since April 29, 2024, following heavy rains and subsequent flooding that plagued the city. Nairobi's real estate sector is poised for a significant transformation following this lift. The suspension aimed to mitigate the risks associated with ongoing construction during adverse weather conditions. Sakaja's initial directive also included a mandate to audit all construction sites and buildings approved over the last 24 months to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. "He further directed the establishment of a multi-stakeholders team to undertake building audits in the city," a statement from his office reads.
In response to the directive, the Nairobi City County Government, through the acting County Secretary's office, has reached out to various stakeholders to nominate professionals and representatives for the newly established task force. This team is scheduled to convene on June 12 to begin the comprehensive audit of construction sites across Nairobi. The task force, comprised of architects, urban planners, environmentalists, and engineers, will have 60 days to complete its audit and submit a detailed report to the governor's office for implementation. This audit is a critical step towards ensuring that all ongoing and newly approved constructions meet the city's safety and compliance standards.
Governor Sakaja has also reconstituted the Urban Technical Committee, bringing in new representatives from various stakeholder groups, including architects, urban planners, environmentalists, and engineers' bodies. The committee is responsible for deliberating and recommending the approval of building plans, ensuring a more robust and inclusive decision-making process. With the suspension lifted, new approvals for building plans and excavations can now proceed. This decision comes as a relief to developers and stakeholders in the real estate sector, who had faced significant delays and uncertainties over the past few months.
Additionally, the suspension of approval requirements and exemption of fee payments for flood-related repairs and renovations of walls and buildings has also been lifted. This move aims to facilitate swift recovery and repair efforts in areas affected by the recent floods. In a related directive, he emphasized the importance of proper solid waste management. He reiterated that all solid waste must be disposed of at the Dandora dumping site. Private service providers failing to comply with this directive will face severe consequences, including the revocation of their licenses and impoundment of their vehicles. "All private service providers of garbage and solid waste management must ensure solid waste is taken to the Dandora dump site. Those who go against that directive will have their licenses canceled forthwith and vehicles impounded," he stated.
Sakaja's proactive measures during the rainy season underscored the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of buildings amidst adverse weather conditions. His decision to halt excavations was driven by concerns over the safety and stability of construction sites during heavy rains. "All excavations are to be stopped with immediate effect since the structural integrity of buildings cannot be assured with the rains," he added.
These actions reflect a balanced approach to managing urban development and ensuring public safety. By lifting the suspension on building approvals and implementing rigorous audits, Nairobi is poised to resume its construction activities with enhanced oversight and compliance. The reconstitution of the UPTC and the formation of a multi-stakeholder audit team signify a commitment to inclusive and transparent governance in the city's real estate sector. For developers and stakeholders, this marks a significant step forward, offering renewed opportunities for growth and development in Nairobi's dynamic urban landscape.
Also Read: Nairobi's 15.3B water project to Boost Real Estate
