City Hall opens 6-month window for property regularisation, warns crackdown on defaulters

The programme, unveiled by County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo under the Nairobi City County Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025, aims to bring unapproved projects in line with planning and development laws.

Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning Patrick Analo said property owners have until December to legalise their developments before the county begins strict enforcement against those who fail to comply.

According to Analo, the initiative seeks to strengthen land ownership security, protect property rights and improve urban planning, infrastructure and service delivery across the city. The exercise covers both ongoing and completed developments, offering developers a one-time opportunity to bring their projects into compliance.

Property owners have been encouraged to submit available documentation even if some requirements are missing, with the County Urban Planning Department expected to guide applicants through the process and advise on additional requirements where necessary.

Developments that meet the required standards will initially receive conditional approvals before being issued with Certificates of Compliance upon satisfying all county conditions.

The regularisation process will cover matters including change or extension of land use, subdivision and amalgamation of land parcels, building plan approvals, occupation certificates and lease renewals.

However, county officials clarified that structures erected on public land, riparian areas, protected zones, unsafe buildings and developments undertaken in violation of court orders will not qualify for the programme.

Mbogo said the initiative is intended to reduce conflicts arising from enforcement actions, prevent avoidable demolitions, improve access to financing through proper documentation and ensure developments align with Nairobi’s long-term planning goals.

He further warned that once the six-month grace period expires in December, the county will intensify enforcement measures against non-compliant developments, including possible demolition and other regulatory action.