Property owners planning to build in Nairobi must obtain the relevant county approvals and comply with national construction regulations before starting work.
Nairobi City County’s Planning and Development Management System provides services covering building permits, structural permits, renovations and repairs, construction site boards, and building occupation certificates.
The county processes development applications through its online planning portal, where property owners can access planning and development control services.
Requirements depend on the building’s size, intended use, location and potential environmental impact.
Developers must also comply with the National Building Code, 2024, which sets out requirements governing building design, construction, safety and related matters.
They should consult the National Construction Authority and Kenya Law for the applicable building standards and compliance requirements.
The code was published as Legal Notice No. 47 on March 1, 2024, and came into operation on March 1, 2025.
“An owner engaging in construction works shall comply with the conditions as may be imposed by the approving authority regarding the siting, size, height, shape and appearance of the building to safeguard, maintain or impose the dignity or preserve the amenity and general appearance of a road, square, public place,” reads part of the code.
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Nairobi County Building Permit
Property owners must obtain the applicable building approval from Nairobi City County before commencing construction.
The county’s planning process assesses proposed developments against applicable planning and building requirements, including land use, zoning, plot coverage and setbacks.
Applicants can use the county’s Planning and Development Management System to initiate the relevant application.
- Structural Plans Approval
Applicants must submit structural drawings prepared by an engineer registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), together with the required design documentation.
According to the National Construction Authority (NCA), authenticated architectural and structural drawings are among the documents required when registering a construction project.
The authority also requires construction consultants, including architects and engineers, to be registered with their respective professional bodies and hold valid practicing licences.
- NCA Project Registration
The National Construction Authority requires construction projects to be registered with the authority.
Under Section 17(2) of the NCA Act, a project owner must apply in writing to register a project within 30 days of the date a tender, contract, or project is awarded to an NCA-registered contractor.
According to the NCA’s project registration guidelines, developers must submit the required documents, including relevant county approvals, authenticated architectural and structural drawings, details of the registered contractor undertaking the work and other applicable statutory approvals.
Project consultants must also be registered with their respective professional regulatory bodies and hold valid practising licences.
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Environmental Approval From NEMA
Developments that fall within the National Environment Management Authority’s (NEMA) prescribed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) categories require environmental assessment and an EIA licence before implementation.
According to NEMA, a licensing authority cannot issue a trading, commercial or development permit or licence for a project requiring an EIA unless the EIA licence has been issued.
The assessment evaluates potential environmental effects and identifies measures to prevent or reduce adverse impacts.
Developers should establish whether their projects require environmental assessment and obtain the applicable approval before implementation.
- Change-of-User Approval
Property owners seeking to use land for a purpose different from its authorized use may need change-of-user approval from the county.
Nairobi City County offers land-use planning and development control services through its planning system.
For instance, a developer intending to put up commercial premises on land designated for residential use may need approval to change the authorized use before proceeding.
The requirement depends on the property’s planning status and the nature of the proposed development.
Also Read: Nairobi County Proposes Rules for Tracking All Land Transactions
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Construction Site Board
Nairobi City County lists construction site boards among its development-control services.
Property owners should confirm the applicable specifications and approval requirements with the county before erecting a site board or commencing the relevant construction activities.
- Building Occupation Certificate
A completed building must satisfy the applicable inspection and compliance requirements before it is occupied.
According to Nairobi City County, the Planning and Development Management System provides building occupation certificates.
The county’s service charter also lists fire-prevention and health-clearance payments among the requirements for an occupation certificate.
Property owners should follow the county’s inspection process and obtain the required occupation certificate before allowing occupants to use the building.
- Other Specialist Approvals
Some developments require additional approvals depending on their location, design and intended use.
The National Construction Authority identifies other statutory approvals that may apply to construction projects, including clearances from relevant government agencies.
For example, developments near airports may require clearance from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, while projects affecting water resources may require authorization from the Water Resources Authority.
Property owners should establish which additional approvals apply to their specific projects before construction begins.
Also Read: Sakaja Presses for Tougher Laws on Nairobi Buildings
Core Building Permits and Approvals in Nairobi
| Approval | Issuing Authority | When It Is Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Development / Building Permit | Nairobi City County | Before construction, extension, alteration or change of building use. |
| Architectural Plan Approval | Nairobi City County | Before construction; plans must be prepared by a qualified, registered architect. |
| Structural Plan Approval | Nairobi City County | Before construction; requires structural drawings and relevant design documentation from a qualified engineer. |
| Construction Permit | Nairobi City County | After the required plans have been approved and applicable fees paid. |
| Construction Site Board Approval | Nairobi City County | As required by the county during the construction approval process. |
| NCA Project Registration | National Construction Authority (NCA) | For construction projects requiring registration, with a registered contractor engaged. |
| Environmental Impact Assessment Approval | National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) | Where the project falls under environmental assessment requirements. |
| Fire Safety Clearance | Nairobi City County / Relevant Fire Authority | Where required, particularly for commercial, public-assembly and multi-storey buildings. |
| Water and Sewer Connection Approval | Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company | Where a new water supply or sewer connection is required. |
| Electricity Connection | Kenya Power | Where the development requires a new electricity connection. |
| Road Access or Wayleave Approval | Relevant road authority or county department | Where the project affects a public road, requires road access or involves a wayleave. |
| Building Occupation Certificate | Nairobi City County | After construction and the required inspections, before occupation where applicable. |
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