City Hall Launches 6-Month Window to Regularise Unauthorised Nairobi Buildings

County officials moved quickly this week with details on how property owners can fix long-standing approval gaps. The focus stays on developments that are structurally safe but lack formal paperwork.

The initiative includes a six-month compliance window running until December.

The programme falls under the Nairobi City County Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025. County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo unveiled it.

Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning Patrick Analo said property owners must act by December. After that, the county will enforce rules strictly against those who fail to comply.

The effort targets both ongoing and completed projects. It gives developers a one-time chance to align their work with planning and development laws.

Property owners can submit whatever documentation they have, even if incomplete. The County Urban Planning Department will guide them and outline any extra requirements needed.

Approved developments first receive conditional approval. Owners then get Certificates of Compliance once they meet all conditions set by the county.

The process covers several key areas. These include change or extension of land use, subdivision and amalgamation of land parcels, building plan approvals, occupation certificates, and lease renewals.

Certain structures remain excluded. These are buildings on public land, riparian areas, protected zones, unsafe constructions, and developments that violate court orders.

Mbogo explained that the programme aims to cut conflicts from enforcement actions. It also seeks to prevent unnecessary demolitions and help owners access financing through proper paperwork. Developments should fit Nairobi’s long-term planning objectives.

Once the grace period ends in December, officials warned of intensified measures. These could include demolition and other regulatory actions for non-compliant properties.

Nairobi, like many rapidly growing cities in Kenya, has seen widespread informal construction over the years. This often stems from lengthy approval processes or gaps in earlier planning oversight. The current drive reflects a common approach in urban counties to balance enforcement with practicality.

The regulations provide a structured path for owners. By focusing only on structurally sound buildings, the county avoids widespread disruption while improving overall compliance.

Analo emphasised improved land ownership security and stronger property rights as key outcomes. Better urban planning, infrastructure, and service delivery should follow as more developments come into the formal system.

Developers and owners have been urged to engage early. The county promises support through the application process to make compliance achievable within the timeframe.

This window represents a practical response to the challenge of managing growth in Kenya’s capital. With enforcement set to tighten after December, the coming months will test how many property owners take advantage of the of the offer.