Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sounded a stern warning to property owners with unauthorized or unapproved buildings, declaring that the County Government has opened its final window to legalize such developments — after which demolitions and prosecutions will follow.
Speaking during the United Winner DT Sacco’s 25th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday, Sakaja said the County was fully enforcing the Regularisation of Unauthorised Development Act, 2025, which provides a short grace period for developers to bring their buildings into compliance.
“If you know you have an illegal building, you have a window to regularise. Please come and regularise. When that window closes, that’s it — the law will take its course,”
— Governor Johnson Sakaja
Sakaja emphasized that the move was not a revenue drive but a commitment to restore order and safety in Nairobi’s fast-expanding urban landscape.
“It’s not about money; it’s our duty to ensure urban development happens in an orderly manner — with proper public utilities, emergency access, and structural integrity,” he stated.
According to the Governor, the new initiative targets thousands of buildings erected without proper planning or safety approvals, especially in high-risk zones such as Ruai, Kasarani, Mwiki, Roysambu, and parts of Embakasi.
Once the grace period lapses, the county will conduct a massive citywide crackdown on non-compliant developments under the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019.
The Department of Built Environment and Urban Planning has already issued a public notice inviting developers, property owners, and land-buying firms to apply for regularisation through the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS).
Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning Patrick Analo affirmed that the process will be fair and transparent:
“Some of these matters have been through the courts. We are now giving property owners a fair chance to regularise before enforcement begins,” Analo said.
All applications must be submitted by licensed professionals — including physical planners, architects, structural engineers, and environmental experts — to ensure compliance with safety and zoning standards.
Sakaja concluded by reaffirming that the County Government’s ultimate goal is to restore order, protect lives, and secure Nairobi’s future as a sustainable and well-planned metropolis.
“We’re not out to punish anyone. We’re here to make sure Nairobi grows safely, smartly, and sustainably.”