Silverio Omari
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has extended the mandate of the task force on Building Plan Approvals by an additional 60 days as part of the county’s strategy to establish clear guidelines for evaluating and approving buildings in Nairobi. This extension was announced during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Sakaja in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Formed on June 12, 2024, the task force includes members from key agencies such as the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), the Town & County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), the Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP), the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK). Its mandate includes auditing all buildings constructed in the past two years to ensure compliance with regulations, as well as reviewing approved building plans for which construction has not yet started.
The audit aims to uncover any discrepancies, irregularities, or deviations from the approved plans and address issues related to outdated guidelines for plan evaluation and ineffective deterrents for regulatory violations.
Governor Sakaja stated that the initiative is designed to improve accountability and transparency in urban planning and development.
The task force was established in response to significant opposition to Sakaja’s March 2024 announcement allowing taller buildings in the city. The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) argued that this proposal could harm the environment and lead to shortages of essential services like water and electricity.
AAK President Florence Nyole commented on May 8, 2024, urging the governor to focus on expanding critical infrastructure, including sewerage, water, solid waste management, public transport, schools, health services, green spaces, and emergency services.
