- Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja annouced a crackdown on illegal buildings in the country’s capital
- Sakaja further announced the steps that illegal building owners should take before the grace period elapses
- The county boss further listed the areas within the city that have been largely affected by land disputes
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Nairobi: Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a stern warning to property owners with illegal or unapproved buildings.
Source: Facebook
He urged them to take advantage of a limited window to regularise their developments or face legal action and enforcement once the deadline lapses
Speaking during the United Winner DT Sacco’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, Sakaja said the county is determined to enforce planning laws under the new Regularisation of Unauthorised Development Act, 2025.
“If you know you have an illegal building, you have a window to regularise. Please come and regularise. When that window closes, that’s it, the law will take its course,” Sakaja cautioned.
Were illegal building owners given window period?
The Nairobi City County Government will, after the window period, launch a crackdown to bring thousands of unauthorised structures into compliance with urban planning and safety standards.
A public notice by the Department of Built Environment and Urban Planning has already invited developers, property owners, and land-buying companies to apply for regularisation.
“It’s not about money; it’s our duty to ensure that urban development is done in an orderly manner with proper public utilities, access for emergencies, and structural integrity. That’s why we’re giving this window to regularise. After that, we will take action,” Sakaja continued
According to Sakaja, the initiative aims to legitimise structures built without permits but which meet the county’s minimum planning and safety requirements.
However, buildings that fail to comply will face enforcement under the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019.
Which Nairobi areas are affected by land disputes?
Affected areas include Ruai, Kasarani, Mwiki, Roysambu, and parts of Embakasi, where land disputes and unapproved developments have long posed planning challenges.
Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning Patrick Analo earlier emphasised that the exercise is both lawful and fair.
“Some of these matters went to court, and rulings were made. We are now giving property owners a chance to regularise before enforcement begins,” he said.
All applications must be filed through registered professionals, including physical planners, architects, structural engineers, and environmental experts, via the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS).
Sakaja maintains that the move is meant to restore order in Nairobi’s built environment, protect public safety, and ensure all developments conform to the city’s urban growth plan.
Sakaja moves to decongest bus termini
This comes a day after the county boss announced the county government’s decision to decongest chaotic bus termini.
Source: Facebook
Sakaja’s administration announced that the move would ensure that the Kencom terminus would be upgraded into an organised one.
The county government announced that the move would be made possible thanks to the non-motorised infrastructure that was put in place.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
