A coalition of professional bodies representing residents, architects, planners and engineers has called for a clearer separation of roles within Nairobi City County’s urban planning system, following concerns raised by the ongoing Manzil Towers collapse case.
In a joint statement, the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA), the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP) and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) said the distinction between technical advisory functions and executive decision-making authority must be respected to safeguard professional integrity and strengthen accountability in urban development.
While reaffirming their commitment to safety, compliance and accountability in the built environment, the organisations warned against what they described as a “structurally misguided” approach to assigning blame.
The groups explained that the Urban Planning Technical Committee (UPTC) primarily reviews development proposals and provides technical advice, but does not have the authority to approve applications or make planning decisions. They noted that such powers are vested in the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Built Environment and Urban Planning within the Nairobi City County Government.
“The UPTC is fundamentally an advisory and review body established to evaluate development applications from multidisciplinary technical perspectives and provide professional recommendations to the relevant county authorities,” the statement reads.
“The UPTC does not hold final decision-making power over planning approvals, structural interventions, development permissions or building permits,” it added.
The organisations further emphasised that legal authority lies elsewhere within the county administration.
“The statutory role of the CECM is strictly that of executive decision-making. The committee’s mandate is one of checks and balances, and its recommendations are not binding,” the statement adds.
The bodies warned that failing to distinguish between advisory input and executive authority could undermine public administration systems and discourage professionals from participating in technical oversight structures.
“A critical miscarriage of justice occurs when independent nominees and professionals are conflated with executive decision-makers. This creates institutional intimidation and a culture of fear,” they said.
The coalition also urged investigators to focus on individuals who hold statutory authority, as well as any parties directly involved in negligence or wrongdoing, rather than targeting members for their participation in an advisory committee.
They further called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review charges brought against UPTC members in connection with the Manzil Towers collapse, arguing that accountability should be based on individual executive responsibility rather than involvement in an advisory body.
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