- Sakaja had suspended new approvals of building plans and excavations at construction sites during the recent heavy rains that caused flooding.
- He also ordered for auditing of construction sites and buildings which were approved over the last 24 months to ensure they are compliant.
Image: FILE
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has lifted the suspension on approval of architectural plans for buildings that has been in force since April 29, 2024.
The governor had suspended new approvals of building plans and excavations at construction sites during the recent downpour and flooding that was experienced in the city.
Sakaja also ordered for auditing of construction sites and buildings which were approved over the last 24 months to ensure they are compliant.
“He further directed the establishment of a multi-stakeholders team to undertake building audits in the city,” a statement from his office reads.
Arising from this, the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) through the acting County Secretary's office has written to various stakeholders requesting them to forward names of professionals and representatives who will now form part of the task force.
The taskforce shall convene on June 12 to commence the audit exercise across the city.
The team has 60 days within which to complete its work and submit a report to the governor's office for implementation.
Sakaja also lifted a ban on excavations of new construction sites.
The suspension of approval requirements and exemption of fee payments on flood-related repairs and renovations (walls and buildings) has also been lifted.
Meanwhile, Sakaja has reconstituted the Urban Technical Committee (UPTC) by calling new representation from stakeholders who include architects, urban planners, environmentalists and engineers' bodies among others.
The UPTC is the responsible committee that deliberates and recommends granting building plan approvals.
In April, Sakaja ordered that all building development approvals be stopped pending a fresh review.
“All building development approvals have been halted for now until we can review all those that have been issued and are continuing in the city,” he said.
Sakaja also directed that all solid waste be dumped at the Dandora dumping site, warning that licences of errant service providers would be revoked.
“All private service providers of garbage and solid waste management to ensure solid waste is taken to the Dandora dump site. Those who go against that directive will have their licences cancelled forthwith and vehicles impounded,” he stated.
He added that all excavations be stopped with immediate effect since the structural integrity of buildings could not be assured with the rains.