A construction site along Kiambu Road has drawn the attention of the Nairobi City County Assembly, with questions being raised over the ownership of the land and the approvals behind an ongoing development.
Ngei Ward MCA Redson Onyango has asked the Assembly to establish who owns a parcel located next to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters and the Nairobi River bridge.
Questions over land ownership
Onyango said concerns had been raised after a concrete wall was erected around the property, with construction appearing to be under way.
“Concerns have been raised that a concrete wall has been erected on the plot next to DCI Headquarters on Kiambu road next to the Nairobi river bridge,” he said.
He wants the Assembly to establish the registered owner of the land, provide details of the ongoing development and produce copies of the relevant approvals issued for the project.
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Planning Concern
While the request centers on one parcel, the issue raises broader questions about how Nairobi regulates construction in areas experiencing rapid development.
Land ownership, building approvals and compliance with planning regulations are central to orderly urban development.
Poor enforcement can affect issues such as access roads, drainage, public safety and the use of land along important infrastructure.
Onyango’s request therefore puts a spotlight on whether the county has effective systems for monitoring developments and ensuring that construction complies with approved plans and building regulations.
The request was directed to the sectoral committee on Lands, Planning and Housing; However, the committee had been disbanded and was in the process of being constituted afresh.
Speaker Kennedy Ngondi consequently directed the Liaison Committee to take up the matter.
Deputy Speaker Paul Kados, requested two weeks for the committee to be constituted so that it could begin addressing the issue.
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Why the issue matters
The absence of the planning committee comes at a time when the Assembly is being asked to scrutinize a development whose ownership and approvals have been questioned.
For Nairobi residents, the issue is bigger than one construction site. It raises questions about who verifies land ownership, who approves developments and how effectively the county monitors construction once work begins.
The county government has responsibility for urban planning and development control, while the county assembly provides oversight over the executive’s performance of these functions.
The response to the Kiambu Road case could therefore provide an indication of how Nairobi handles disputed or questionable developments and whether its planning enforcement systems are working as intended.
What the Assembly will be looking for
Once the Liaison Committee is constituted, it is expected to pursue answers on the ownership of the parcel, the nature of the development and whether the project has the necessary approvals.
It will also be important to establish whether the county’s planning and enforcement procedures were followed.
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