The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has criticised the decision to prosecute members of Nairobi City County’s Urban Planning Technical Committee following the collapse of a building in South C, arguing that investigators should first establish individual responsibility before pursuing criminal charges.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 11, 2026, ISK said it had noted the decision by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to initiate proceedings against members of the committee after the fatal building collapse. The professional body also acknowledged Governor Johnson Sakaja’s move to reconstitute the committee following the incident.

While expressing sympathy to families and individuals affected by the collapse, ISK said accountability must be based on facts and clear evidence rather than broad assumptions.

“The institution is deeply concerned by the apparent blanket approach adopted by charging members of the Urban Planning Technical Committee without sufficiently investigating whether processes were followed or not,” the statement said.

According to ISK, the Urban Planning Technical Committee serves as a multi-sectoral advisory body that brings together representatives from government agencies, professional organisations, utility service providers, county officials, and private developers. Its role is to review development applications and provide technical recommendations.

However, the institution stressed that the committee does not issue development approvals, grant construction certificates or carry out inspections and enforcement activities on construction sites.

“The Committee does not issue development approvals; the Committee does not grant construction certificates; and the Committee does not inspect enforcement works,” ISK stated.

The organisation argued that these distinctions are important when determining responsibility for building failures. It warned that prosecuting technical advisers without first examining how decisions were made could undermine confidence among professionals who serve on public committees.

The concerns raised by ISK are similar to those expressed by the Architectural Association of Kenya, the Kenya Institute of Planners, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, and the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations.

The four organisations recently argued that the Urban Planning Technical Committee only provides technical recommendations and does not make final approval decisions, warning that criminalising professional advice could discourage experts from serving on public committees.

Building safety under scrutiny

The South C collapse has once again drawn attention to concerns about building safety in Nairobi. Kenya has experienced several cases of buildings collapsing over the years, often raising questions about the enforcement of planning regulations, construction standards, and compliance with approved designs.

ISK said negligence, abuse of office, professional misconduct, and corruption within the planning and development approval system must be addressed. However, it maintained that investigations should focus on identifying the specific individuals or institutions responsible for failures rather than treating all committee members as equally liable.

The institution also defended the existence of the Urban Planning Technical Committee, describing it as a necessary part of Nairobi’s development approval framework. It said the committee helps ensure that technical experts review projects before they proceed through the approval process.

The dispute could also have wider implications for the construction sector. Banks and other lenders closely monitor regulatory risks when financing property developments. Increased uncertainty around planning approvals and legal accountability may lead financiers to adopt stricter lending requirements for developers.

Higher perceived risks can result in additional due diligence, longer approval timelines, and tougher borrowing conditions. Smaller developers, who often rely heavily on financing to complete projects, may be affected the most.

As investigations continue, ISK has called for reforms that strengthen oversight while respecting due process. The organisation said Nairobi needs stronger enforcement mechanisms, transparent planning systems, and fair accountability measures to improve safety in the construction sector.