Nairobi county Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced plans to review the limitations on the number of floors that can be constructed in high-rise buildings. Johnson Sakaja during a past church service. Sakaja announced a review of limitations on the number of floors that can be built in Nairobi. During a church service in Bahati on Sunday, March 24, Sakaja hit out at those criticising his administration for approving the construction of high-storey buildings in posh neighbourhoods. Sakaja said that the government has to approve the construction of high-rise buildings to accommodate the growing population. I have heard people complaining that in areas of Kileleshwa and Lavington, our homes were one-storey, now tall apartments have come. Nairobi is 696 square kilometres; in 2050 it will have a population of 10.5 million people. Will we expand Nairobi? No, the only place we have to go is up,” Sakaja said. Sakaja clarifies statement on approval of high-rise buildings After the church service Sakaja issued a statement on X clarifying his statement about the approval of buildings up to 25 floors. “The 25 floors mentioned earlier today (were) area-specific (around airbase) and not a blanket restriction. We have proposed an area-specific zoning framework that goes up to 75 floors in some areas. It is before the assembly,” said Sakaja. Sakaja noted that although the height approvals are under review, there will be other considerations before high-rise buildings are approved for construction. “Also, just because the height approvals have changed doesn’t mean every development proposal will be approved. There are other considerations, such as plot ratios, ground coverage, area character etc, that will be considered. We can only go up but must do so responsibly. And we shall,” remarked the governor. Nairobi county investments in sewage and water infrastructures The governor added that the county will be making more investments in the sewage and water infrastructures to support the upcoming buildings. “We also have substantial resources being deployed in sewer and water infrastructure expansion and are grateful to partners such as @AfDB_Group (African Development Bank Group) and @AFD_France (Agence Française de Développement), among others for this,” Sakaja added. Nairobian in posh estates raise concerns over high-rise buildings Kenyans in affluent Nairobi neighbourhoods expressed concerns about upcoming high-rise buildings obstructing ventilation and balconies in older homes. Kilimani residents have alleged corruption in the issuing of construction permits for buildings that block balconies and ventilation in older buildings. Thomas Maina told TUKO.co.ke that if something is not done, Kilimani will be like Eastleigh, as houses are being built in every available space.
by Elijah Ntongai