Experts urge audit of Nairobi’s illegal high-rises

Several built environment professionals in Nairobi have expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal and irregular high-rise buildings in the city, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public safety and environmental sustainability.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, professional associations and institutions called for an immediate technical audit of all recent high-rise building approvals, urging the city to disclose development approval statuses and ensure compliance with building regulations.

"Nairobi is at a tipping point," the group said, emphasizing the urgent need to address the rising number of non-compliant structures that threaten residents' safety and the credibility of Kenya’s planning institutions.

The professionals criticized the weakening of development control processes, citing instances where political and executive figures have circumvented regulations to approve unsafe constructions.

The professionals also pointed out that unchecked urban development is contributing to environmental degradation, with illegal constructions encroaching on riparian reserves, destroying green spaces, and overwhelming city infrastructure.

They stressed that these issues are exacerbating the city's vulnerability to climate risks.

"The sustainability of Nairobi’s future hinges on strict adherence to environmental safeguards," the statement warned.

The group has called for a five-point action plan that includes a city-wide audit of high-rise approvals, the disclosure of compliance records, stronger development controls free from political interference, enhanced protection for oversight institutions, and an inclusive dialogue on urban resilience.

"This is not just a political matter," they stated, underscoring that it is a professional and legal crisis that requires immediate and coordinated action.

Last September, the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) raised concerns about the absence of clear guidelines for approvals, which has led to delays in project initiation.

"Delayed approvals up to more than one year have led to losses since one cannot start the project on time," the association stated.

The Nairobi County government is currently considering a zoning policy that would allow buildings in the central business district, Upper Hill, and other key commercial areas to reach heights of up to 75 floors.

However, with ongoing uncertainty over the policy, developers may remain cautious about committing to new projects.

In an effort to address bureaucratic delays, the Nairobi County Government recently reduced the building approval timeline from six months to two weeks.

This change aims to eliminate the long wait times that have previously hindered development.

Under the previous system, inefficiencies forced developers to endure delays, face increased costs, and, in some instances, resort to informal methods to speed up the process, often resulting in unsafe and non-compliant structures.