Why Nairobi skyline is poised for major transformation

Nairobi’s skyline could soon transform as the county government considers a long-overdue development policy that may allow buildings in the CBD, Upper Hill & commercial areas to rise as high as 75 floors.

Speaking during an ongoing three-day public participation forum, Nairobi’s Chief Officer for Urban Planning, Patrick Analo stated that the proposed policy aims to promote modernization.

He said the policy would also protect residential neighbourhoods through the use of land use tools including the preparation and implementation of zoning regulations, spatial plans and local physical development (LPDs) plans.

This, Analo said, will accommodate the city’s rapidly growing population which is at 4 per cent annually and which continues to exert pressure on the real estate to provide more sustainable housing.

“If approved, the policy and other LPDS will permit high-rise developments in key commercial areas such as Upper Hill, Uhuru Highway, Tom Mboya Street, Haile Selassie Avenue, and University Way,” Analo said.

Other regions, including Riverside, Parklands, and Ngara West, will have a height limit of 20 floors, while Muthangari, Kileleshwa, and Kilimani will be restricted to 15 floors.

The plan also outlines specific height restrictions for residential areas: Umoja, Kayole, and Komarock will have an eight-story cap, while Mathare, Dandora, and Korogocho will be limited to five floors.

In Kariokor, Mlango Kubwa, and Eastleigh, mixed-use developments will be permitted up to 25 stories.

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson reaffirmed that high-end neighbourhoods such as Karen, Gigiri, Runda, Kitisuru, Nyari, Muthaiga, and Rosslyn Estate will remain designated as single-dwelling zones to preserve their low-density status.

“The three-day public participation forum is gathering input from Architects, Physical Planners, residents, developers, contractors, and stakeholders. Currently, Nairobi accommodates over seven million people during the day, and this number is expected to reach 10 million in the coming years. We must consider how to accommodate this growth,” Sakaja stated.

Similarly, areas in Eastlands such as Jacaranda, Sosian Estate, Nasra Gardens, Harambee NCC, Rabai Road Estate, Utawala, Ruai, and Kamulu will not permit high-rise developments.

Sakaja emphasized that Nairobi’s zoning policy has not been reviewed for nearly two decades, making this revision crucial.

The last zoning policy is dated 2006.

“If approved, the new policy will redefine Nairobi’s skyline, bringing it in line with global cities that feature towering skyscrapers while also balancing urban planning needs with community concerns,” he added.