Nairobi County has agreed to extend the mandate of the Taskforce on Building Plan Approvals by an additional 60 days.

 During this period, the task force will carry out a thorough audit of all buildings constructed in the past two years to ensure they meet approved plans and comply with relevant regulations. The decision was arrived at during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday which was chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja.

 “The Cabinet has approved the Taskforce’s proposed extension of the operational period by an additional sixty (60) days. This extension will provide the necessary scope to comprehensively,” reads the cabinet dispatch.

The audit also extends to approved building plans where construction is yet to commence.

The task force’s review will also point out any discrepancies, irregularities, or deviations from the approved building plans.

Key challenges include the lack of updated guidelines for plan evaluation and the absence of effective deterrents for regulatory violations.

“The task force is working to establish clear criteria for evaluations and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to foster responsible development practices,” reads the cabinet dispatch.

The county highlighted an urgent need to boost its administrative capacity to effectively manage and oversee developments due to rapid urban expansion and a surge in construction projects.

The Taskforce was officially formed on June 12, and gazetted on July 19,.

It comprises members from key agencies including the National Construction Authority (NCA), Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Town & County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), Kenya Institute of Planners (KIP), Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).

 The task force had been given between 30-60 days to conclude the process and submit a report for implementation.  There is a proposal by Governor Sakaja’s administration, seeking to raise building limits to 15 floors.

This proposal, along with a broader plan to revise zoning regulations, has ignited controversy among stakeholders. The proposal was opposed by over 26 professional and resident groups in Nairobi.