Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has waived application and approval requirements for minor building repairs ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
In a statement on September 23, Sakaja said that the waiver will allow Nairobi residents to install gutters and carry out minor repairs to their homes and compounds without obtaining the usual approvals.
Sakaja said the measure will remain in place until the onset of the rains as the county prepares for the expected wet weather.
The move is intended to allow residents to make quick repairs and improve drainage around their homes ahead of the rainy season.
“As Nairobi prepares for the anticipated El Niño rains, I have waived the application and approval processes for minor building repairs until the onset of the rains,” read part of the statement.
“This will allow Nairobians to install gutters and make minor repairs to their homes and compounds without the usual approvals.”
How The Approval Process Works
Property owners first engage a registered architect or architectural technologist to prepare the required drawings. A structural engineer may be needed for structural changes.
The application, ownership documents, and drawings are then submitted through Nairobi County’s online permit system.
Applicants pay the prescribed fees before county officials review the plans and, where necessary, inspect the property.
Once approved, the county issues a permit allowing the minor works to proceed. The county may conduct a final inspection after completion.
County fees for minor works are not a single fixed amount; they vary by size, type, and estimated construction cost, but for small residential projects they commonly fall in the range of roughly Ksh10,000 to 50,000.
For the county, the fee is often calculated at around 0.5% of the construction cost or based on the size of the project per square metre.
Sakaja Lists Other Mitigation Measures
Sakaja said the county has intensified flood mitigation efforts by deploying more machinery, widening and deepening drainage channels, desilting waterways and clearing drainage corridors.
He warned that illegal dumping remains a major challenge, and those found dumping waste illegally will face tough action.
Private waste collectors found dumping waste in open spaces risk having their licences permanently withdrawn.
Also Read: Sakaja Reveals One Nairobi Problem Residents Can Blame Him For
He noted that residents can report flooding and other emergencies through the county’s dedicated hotline 1508.
Sakaja urged Nairobi residents to prepare early by keeping drainage channels clear, installing gutters and taking other necessary precautions ahead of the rains.
“I urge Nairobians to prepare early by keeping drainage channels clear, installing gutters and taking necessary precautions as we work together to keep our city safe,” ended the statement.
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