Nairobi City County is taking steps to manage rapid construction in Westlands, where the surge in high-rise buildings has put enormous pressure on roads, utilities, and community facilities.
The county says the area’s growth has far exceeded the original design, prompting the need for a new development framework.
City Hall has now invited tenders for a contractor to create a local physical and land use plan specifically for Westlands. This framework will regulate future projects and ensure that development aligns with the neighbourhood’s intended layout.
“Originally envisioned as an upscale low to medium-rise residential district with controlled commercial activity, Westlands has undergone rapid transformation characterised by high-rise apartments, commercial towers, mixed-use complexes, and institutional developments,” the county said.
Developers have long targeted Westlands and Upper Hill for office and commercial projects to support Nairobi’s Central Business District, where Grade A office space is limited. The county says this focus has led to overcrowding and overuse of infrastructure designed for far fewer residents and businesses.
“This growth has intensified pressure on infrastructure systems such as water supply, sewerage, storm water drainage, transport networks, and social amenities, including schools, healthcare, recreational spaces, and public utilities,” City Hall said.
Officials also expressed concern about the effect on the environment and the character of neighbourhoods.
“Additionally, emerging development patterns have raised concerns regarding environmental protection, land use compatibility, urban form and the preservation of the unique character of neighbourhoods such as Loresho/Kyuna, Upper Spring Valley and Parklands,” it added.
Westlands consists of seven upscale estates; Spring Valley, Parklands, Loresho, Kyuna, Kianda Triangle, Muthangari and Rhapta — all originally intended for residential use. Most recent projects, the county says, ignore these zoning intentions, raising alarms about maintaining the area’s unique character.
“The current development dynamics in Westlands highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive planning framework that balances urban growth, infrastructure capacity, environmental sustainability, and metropolitan planning objectives,” City Hall said.
The Local Physical Development Plan for Westlands will be aligned with the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan 2014–2030 and other national planning strategies.
“The plan will provide actionable local-level strategies, guide land use and infrastructure planning, and promote sustainable, resilient, and well-coordinated development across all the subzones within Westlands,” officials said.
Currently, there is no clear regulation for approving new developments. The repeal of the Physical Planning Act has rendered the 2004 zoning guidelines, which were used for permit issuance, outdated.
The move comes after persistent complaints from residents in areas such as Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Karen and Westlands. In December, residents from Parklands and Lavington filed a lawsuit against developers, arguing that uncontrolled construction had blocked sunlight and reduced airflow in their homes.
