A three-day public participation forum on Nairobi’s Development Control Policy ended without solutions.

 Residents, contractors and county officials engaged in a heated debate over the county’s proposal to allow buildings as tall as 75 storeys in select areas.

The policy aims to guide Nairobi’s rapid urban growth.

Residents’ associations opposed the move, citing concerns over infrastructure, environmental impact, and lack of accountability.

Lavington residents argued that development should not take place without proper infrastructure.

The Metro Alliance group faulted the county over waste management.

“The policy does not indicate how the county will handle the increased waste. More development means more waste how will this be managed?” they asked.

They also pushed back against unnecessary deforestation.

“Who said trees must be cut for development? Why can’t we have development while sparing trees?”

Residents of Upper Hill questioned the feasibility of the policy.

“We are on the Wilson Airport flight path, yet this policy proposes buildings of up to 75 floors. How is that even possible when we already have problems with water, sewer systems and garbage collection?”

Loresho residents warned against turning Nairobi into a “concrete jungle”.

“Public open spaces within estates should be preserved,” one said.

A resident of Bahati estate where City Hall plans to build affordable housing, said they don’t trust the government.

“The county started affordable housing projects in Pangani and Jeevanjee more than five years ago, and they have stalled. Now they want to approve more developments.”

Former City Clerk and Planning CEC Tom Odongo defended the policy, saying it was part of a broader strategic vision to transform Nairobi into a polycentric city.