Residents of Nairobi, represented by the Metro Alliance advocacy group, have voiced growing alarm over the proliferation of illegal buildings across the Kenyan capital, sharply questioning the effectiveness of the National Construction Authority then NCA in enforcing construction regulations.
The association claims numerous structures currently under construction in various estates lack essential approvals, including planning permissions, compliance certificates, approved architectural plans, environmental impact assessments, and clearances from both county and national authorities.
Many of these unauthorised developments are rising in densely populated neighbourhoods, raising serious public safety concerns, Metro Alliance said in a statement.
The group accused regulatory bodies of lax oversight, warning that persistent violations of construction laws could result in further property damage and loss of life. They cited a history of tragic building collapses in Nairobi — incidents that have claimed lives and exposed systemic weaknesses in enforcement.
Recent cases highlight risks
Amid recent high-profile cases, including structural failures and demolitions in areas such as Westlands, Kahawa West, and Parklands, the Metro Alliance emphasised that such collapses have highlighted ongoing challenges in the sector.
The NCA, established under the 2011 National Construction Authority Act, is mandated to regulate the construction industry, oversee project registration, accredit professionals, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards across Kenya. Despite this role, critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in rapidly urbanising Nairobi.
Urgent call for action
Metro Alliance has urged the NCA, the Nairobi County Government, and other relevant agencies to launch an immediate and comprehensive audit of all ongoing construction projects in the city. The group demanded that authorities publicly disclose the approval status of each project and take swift action against developers operating illegally.
“Nairobians deserve a safe, well-regulated urban environment where public safety and accountability are prioritised in the construction sector,” the association stated.
The call comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over building safety in Kenya’s capital, where rapid urban growth has outpaced regulatory capacity, contributing to a rise in unauthorised developments.
Metro Alliance vowed to continue monitoring the situation and pressing for stronger enforcement to protect residents from the risks posed by substandard and illegal structures.
