Moses Kuria slams Wamatangi over stalled real estate approvals in Kiambu
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 6, 2026Former Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has sharply criticised Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, accusing his administration of crippling the county’s real estate sector by delaying development approvals for three consecutive years.
In a statement on his X handle on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Kuria has described the real estate industry as the heartbeat of Kiambu County’s economy, warning that continued inaction is choking growth, stalling investments, and denying residents critical economic opportunities.
According to Kuria, the prolonged delay in issuing approvals for construction and development projects has created uncertainty among investors, many of whom are now shifting their focus to other counties with more efficient regulatory processes.
“The real estate sector is the backbone of Kiambu’s economy. Sitting on approvals for three years is a massive disservice to the people and investors,” Kuria stated.
Kuria has argued that Kiambu County, once a prime destination for real estate expansion due to its proximity to Nairobi, risks losing its competitive edge if the situation persists.
Kuria on Wamatangi’s reelection
The former CS has further warned that the issue is likely to become a central political battleground in the 2027 general elections, as frustrated developers, workers, and residents demand accountability from the county leadership.
“This will be the main issue in 2027,” Kuria added.
Kuria’s remarks come amid growing concern from stakeholders in the construction and housing sectors, who say bureaucratic bottlenecks at the county level have slowed down project timelines, increased costs, and affected job creation.
The former Cabinet Secretary warned that failure by the Kiambu County government to streamline its approval processes and restore investor confidence will cost the governor’s candidature in the next general elections, emphasising that efficient governance is key to unlocking the county’s full economic potential.
The approval process
Real estate approval procedures by county governments in Kenya are governed by the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (2019) and the National Building Regulations, which require a systematic approach through the county planning department.
The process generally includes submission of architectural and structural drawings, environmental clearances, and adherence to specific zoning regulations