Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has opened an amnesty window for property owners with unauthorized developments, giving them an opportunity to regularize their properties and obtain the required planning approvals.
In a statement on September 10, Sakaja said that the regularization window will remain open until December 31, 2026, allowing eligible property owners to bring their developments into compliance with planning requirements.
“Nairobi County has opened a regularization amnesty to give property owners with unauthorized developments an opportunity to bring their properties into compliance and obtain the required planning approvals,” read part of the statement.
Sakaja Opens Window For Property Owners
Applications must be made through a licensed architect, structural engineer and/or physical planner, according to the county government.
The initiative targets developments built without the necessary planning approvals and gives property owners an opportunity to regularize them within the set period.
However, developments located on public land, road reserves or riparian land are not eligible for regularization under the amnesty.
Nairobi County said the exercise is intended to promote orderly development and improve compliance with planning and safety requirements across the city.
How To Apply
Property owners seeking to regularize eligible unauthorized developments should work with a licensed architect, structural engineer and/or physical planner, who will prepare and submit the required documents on their behalf.
The application process involves:
- Engage a licensed professional – Hire a physical planner, architect and/or structural engineer to assess the development and prepare the necessary plans and reports.
- Prepare the required documents – The professionals will help compile ownership documents, as-built architectural and structural plans, survey documents and other paperwork required for the application.
- Submit the application online – The licensed professional will submit the application and supporting documents through the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS).
- Pay the required fees – Applicants will be required to pay the applicable processing fees as part of the regularization process.
- Await assessment and approval – The county will review the application and determine whether the development qualifies for regularization and the required planning approvals.
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New Building Fees
Nairobi homeowners and property developers will now have their building plan approval fees determined using a new formula under the Nairobi City County Tariffs and Pricing Policy 2025–2030.
The policy divides developments into three categories — residential, commercial, and industrial — which will be used to calculate the applicable charges.
Fees will also reflect the cost of services the county provides during the planning and approval process. These include spatial planning, road access and inspections of developments.
Nairobi County will consider both direct and indirect expenses when setting the charges. Direct costs include salaries for inspectorate staff, inspection equipment and expenses linked to implementing the county’s spatial plan.
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Other costs will include administration, road maintenance and the processing of building plan applications.
However, not all projects will necessarily pay the full charges. The policy allows for waivers or discounts for low-income housing, public-interest developments and other projects targeting disadvantaged groups.
The county also notes that the listed factors may not be the only considerations used when determining the final approval fees.
The new structure will apply to homeowners and developers seeking approval to build permanent structures in Nairobi.
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