Nairobi County has begun a bold campaign to clean up its construction sector, introducing fresh rules to rein in illegal developments and restore discipline in urban planning. The new measures, approved by the county cabinet, mark the start of a process that will allow property owners to correct past violations and bring their buildings into full compliance with the law.
The Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025 set out a detailed system for developers to apply for approval of buildings that were constructed without proper permits or that deviated from approved designs. The framework seeks to end years of unplanned construction that have left many neighbourhoods exposed to unsafe structures and poor infrastructure.
Governor Sakaja said the new law offers a final chance for owners of unapproved buildings to act before enforcement begins. “If you know you have an unapproved building, this is your last opportunity to comply. Once the grace period is over, enforcement will follow. It’s not about revenue, it’s about order, safety and accountability,” he said.
The regulations outline how applications will be made, reviewed and approved, and they hold professionals accountable for the quality and accuracy of submissions. They also require active public involvement and transparency at all stages. Once approved by the County Assembly, the framework will be published and implemented.
“This initiative aims to replace fear and uncertainty with order, safety and dignity, especially for residents and small businesses that have long operated in informal developments. Every Nairobi resident deserves a safe home, a stable business and a county that treats them with dignity,” Sakaja added.
The county’s plan aims to formalise thousands of structures across different wards, focusing on safety, public health and environmental protection. The system will ensure that every development meets essential construction standards without endangering lives or the environment.
Officials say the process will also open up a fair and predictable path for property owners to join the formal planning system, ending years of anxiety caused by unregulated growth. A new online dashboard will soon go live to allow the public to track applications, progress and compliance in real time.
An official report from the county described the regulations as “operationalising the Act by setting out the end-to-end process for applications, technical standards, professional accountability, public participation, dispute resolution and enforcement.” It also acknowledged that Nairobi’s rapid expansion had often occurred informally, leaving residents in unsafe living conditions and small traders uncertain about their investments.
Speaking during the 25th anniversary celebration of United Winner DT Sacco, Sakaja said his administration would not back down from enforcing planning laws once the regularisation window closes.
“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,” he said.
The governor warned that a comprehensive crackdown will follow the expiry of the grace period, targeting buildings that continue to flout planning and safety rules. The Department of Built Environment and Urban Planning has already called on developers, land-buying firms and property owners to apply for regularisation.
Through the process, developers can apply for retrospective approval of buildings that were erected without permission or that went beyond approved limits—such as adding extra floors to an already approved design.
“It’s not about money; it’s our duty to ensure that urban growth happens in an organised way—with proper utilities, emergency access, and structural integrity. That’s why we’re giving this window to regularise. After that, we will take action,” Sakaja said.
The County Executive Committee Member in charge of Built Environment and Urban Planning said the framework establishes a solid legal base for the exercise, allowing the county to bring all developments into line with the law while protecting residents.
Urban Planning Chief Officer Patrick Analo said the operation would focus on structures that were built without approval but can still meet minimum safety and planning requirements. “To ensure transparency, the county government will publish notices of unauthorised developments in at least two national newspapers,” he said.
According to Analo, the exercise will cover a range of projects including land subdivisions, change of use, extensions, and advertising structures such as billboards and wall wraps. It will also include informal settlements on private land that can be safely integrated into the city’s planning system.
City Hall hopes the process will also help resolve long-standing land disputes and ownership conflicts that have hindered development in some areas. Developers who fail to comply will face enforcement under the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019.
The crackdown is expected to focus on high-risk zones such as Ruai, Kasarani, Mwiki, Roysambu and parts of Embakasi, where unregulated construction and land-buying schemes have created serious safety and planning problems.
Sakaja called on Nairobi residents to support the effort, saying the success of the campaign depends on cooperation and responsibility from all sides. “We cannot continue building a city on disorder. Let’s fix it now while we have the chance,” he said.
