Duale vows to ensure strict scrutiny of building approvals in Nairobi

Building approvals in Nairobi will now be subjected to strict scrutiny after the Cabinet Secretary for Environment Aden Duale ordered the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) not to issue licenses for construction projects that have not met the required standards

The move, according to Duale, aims to address the chaotic rise of high-rise apartments that have sprouted across the capital city.

"Now that I am the Minister for Environment, we will not issue a license, and if we don't, no one can build," he asserted, marking the start of what could be a significant shift in how Nairobi's skyline evolves.

The CS was speaking while appearing before the National Assembly.

During his vetting for his Cabinet role, Duale expressed deep concerns about the uncontrolled developments that have become a hallmark of Nairobi's skyline.

Duale's intervention comes at a time when Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has promoted vertical development as a solution to the city's housing crisis.

Sakaja's assertion that "the only way to go is up" has drawn criticism from residents in affluent neighbourhoods like Kileleshwa and Lavington, who fear losing their green spaces to towering concrete structures.

In August, Nairobi County agreed to extend the mandate of the Taskforce on Building Plan Approvals by an additional 60 days.

During this period, the taskforce will carry out a thorough audit of all buildings built in the past two years to ensure they meet approved plans and comply with relevant regulations.

The decision was arrived at during a county Cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Sakaja.

The audit also extends to approved building plans where construction is yet to commence.

The taskforce's review will also point out any discrepancies, irregularities, or deviations from the approved building plans.

Key challenges include the lack of updated guidelines for plan evaluation and the lack of effective deterrents for regulatory violations.

"The taskforce is working to establish clear criteria for evaluations and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to foster responsible development practices," reads the city Cabinet’s dispatch.

The county highlighted an urgent need to boost its administrative capacity to effectively manage and oversee developments due to rapid urban expansion and a surge in construction projects.

The taskforce was officially formed on June 12, 2024, and gazetted on July 19, 2024.

It comprises members from key agencies including the National Construction Authority (NCA), Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP), Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), Nema, and the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).