Nairobi County Government is on the spot following claims that a junior officer has been providing building approvals without the knowledge of county officials.

Frederick Ochanda, the acting Assistant Director Development, told a committee that he has approved the construction of close to 600 buildings without the knowledge of the CEC Stephen Mwangi and Chief Officer Patrick Analo.

When he appeared before the Nairobi City County Assembly’s planning committee, Ochanda (pictured) said he had received powers to approve building construction from Governor Johnson Sakaja after he was appointed last year.

“The powers belong to the Chief Officer but they were delegated to me through the appointment letter I received from the governor. The chief officer was present when the governor informed me about the duties I will be carrying out,” said Ochanda.

But the Chief Officer denied delegating his duties to the officer.

“I cannot account for the building approvals that have been released by the county government. I don’t have rights to this system. I don’t know when the changes were made,” said Analo.

The Physical and Land Planning Act is clear that the County Chief Officer is responsible for approving building plans.

Ochanda also revealed to the committee that he receives applications from developers which he later submits to the Urban Planning Technical Committee which goes through them before approving.