26 resident associations oppose Sakaja's proposal to remove height restrictions in Nairobi

At least 26 professional and resident associations in Nairobi County have expressed objection to a proposal by Governor Johnson Sakaja to allow the construction of high-rise buildings in different parts of the city.

The associations who say it is against the law and a threat to the environment have threatened to seek legal redress if the county fails to suspend the plan to allow for the construction of high-rise buildings in areas like Kilimani and Kileleshwa.

“The Governor's approach blatantly disregards the correct legal procedure and good order. The Governor should prioritise the expansion of critical infrastructure including sewerage, water, solid waste management, public transport, schools, health amenities, open grace spaces, fire and emergency services,” said Florence Nyole, President of the Architectural Association of Kenya.

South C Residents Association Chairman Gichuki added: “We are just against environmental terrorism, no law is being obeyed, the approvals are not based on any law. Secondly, the construction is not according to the approvals.”

The members of the associations have accused the county of failing to deliver on promises to offer better services to residents, as the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2023 on Nairobi City County Development Control Policy is currently before the Nairobi County Assembly for approval.

“Pipeline is a disaster, and why should we have to copy-paste Pipeline now to Kilimani, Kileleshwa and many others? Can we stop the mess at Pipeline and see what we can do? Residents of areas like Fedha for the last three months have not accessed tap water,” Alliance of Nairobi Metropolitan Residents Association (ANMRA) Chairperson Teddy Obiero stated.

Governor Sakaja has however defended the proposal saying the population is growing and there is demand for housing.

Sakaja has been adamant that the county will continue with the plan to allow high-rise buildings within different estates, arguing that the land in Nairobi is shrinking despite a growing population.

“Population ya Nairobi imekuja inaongezeka...hakuna mashamba ya kuongeza, lazima tuendee juu as it has been done in other parts of the world...those 25 floors ilikuwa mfano kwa area moja sio Nairobi moja,” said Sakaja recently.

He said the county has secured funds from the African Development Bank which will be used to expand sewerage, drainage and water systems to serve the growing population.

Sakaja has also given an assurance that some estates will not be affected including gated communities that have the controlled regulation framework.

 “Wacha 25 kuna areas ambazo zitaenda hadi 75 floors, areas kama CBD, Ngara, Upper Hill...area hizo ambazo ziko the centre of the city...kuna areas zitakuwa 50 floors...kuna area tutabaki tu vile ziko some areas kama Runda, Lavington, Muthaiga, Karen tutakubali single housing dwelling,” he added.

The associations have threatened to take legal action if the county goes ahead to implement its plans.