- Sakaja said the audit follows feedback that his administration has been receiving from stakeholders within the Built Environment sector.
- The governor has also temporarily suspended the issuance of new building plan approvals and excavations in ongoing construction sites.
Image: EZEKIEL AMINGÁ
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered an audit of all buildings constructed in the city over the last two years.
In new directives seen by the Star, Sakaja said the audit follows feedback that his administration has been receiving from stakeholders within the Built Environment sector.
The governor has also temporarily suspended the issuance of new building plan approvals and excavations in ongoing construction sites.
"We have also suspended undertaking of Excavations at Construction Sites as this would compromise the structural integrity and safety of adjourning buildings due to the ongoing heavy rains," Sakaja directed.
"Consequently, an audit of all buildings constructed over the last 2 years to establish their compliance to statuses will be commenced. This audit will also look at building plans approved but for which construction is yet to commence."
The audit will begin on May 13.
The governor said the multi-agency committee tasked to undertake the audit will have between 30 to 60 days to conclude the process and submit a report for implementation.
Sakaja said he intends to make the process inclusive as he called on all stakeholders, including technical representatives of professional and regulatory bodies to be part of the audit.
These bodies have until May 10 to nominate their representatives to the committee.
"The purpose of this letter therefore is to bring to your attention this further directive and to request you to forward the names of two professionals from your organisation to be part of the task force being constituted by the county," read the directive.
In March, over 26 professional and resident groups in Nairobi came out to oppose Sakaja's proposal to allow tall buildings in various parts of the city.
They argued that the proposal would go against the law and would cause great harm to the environment.
In a joint statement, the associations said they would move to court if the county did not stop the plan, especially in areas like Kilimani and Kileleshwa.
"The governor should prioritise the expansion of critical infrastructure including sewerage, water, solid waste management, public transport, schools, health amenities, open grace spaces, fire and emergency services,” Florence Nyole, the president of the Architectural Association of Kenya said.
Teddy Obiero, chairperson of the Alliance of Nairobi Metropolitan Residents Association, pointed out issues like water shortages in some areas and urged authorities to address existing problems before replicating them elsewhere.
The Kenya Alliance of Residents Association emphasised that Sakaja and the relevant departments must prioritise the development and implementation of Local Physical Development Plans at all levels.