The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has invited members of the public to comment on two major high-rise developments proposed in Nairobi’s Westlands and Kilimani areas before it decides whether to approve them.
In notices published in the Kenya Gazette, NEMA said it has received Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports for the projects, which, if approved, would add 1,168 residential units to the city’s housing stock.
“The National Environmental Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision-making process for this project,” NEMA stated.
The developments are among the latest large-scale real estate projects seeking environmental approval as demand for housing and commercial space continues to grow in Nairobi’s prime residential neighborhoods.
Westlands Project
One of the projects is planned along General Mathenge Drive in Westlands, an area that has witnessed a surge in high-rise developments over the past decade.
The proposal by Wondercrest Development Limited involves the construction of two 26-story residential blocks on Plot L.R No. Nairobi/Block 7/26.
According to the assessment report, the project will comprise two basement floors, a ground floor, and 26 upper floors.
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Once completed, it will include 699 residential units: 231 studio apartments, 141 one-bedroom units, and 327 two-bedroom apartments.
The development will also include parking spaces, a swimming pool, a children’s play area, and other supporting facilities.
The developer says it has proposed measures to address potential environmental impacts associated with the project.
These include controlling soil erosion, reducing dust emissions, managing waste, improving energy efficiency, and implementing safety measures during construction and operation.
The report identifies possible challenges such as increased traffic, noise, air pollution, higher water consumption, and construction-related disturbances.
Proposed interventions include the installation of drainage structures, landscaping, rainwater harvesting systems, solar power generation and the use of licensed waste handlers.
NEMA Invites Views for Kilimani Project
The second development is proposed along Ngong Road in Kilimani, one of Nairobi’s fastest-growing mixed-use neighborhoods.
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Limerence Company Limited plans to construct a 30-storey residential and commercial complex on plots Nairobi/Block 19/478 and Nairobi/Block 19/479.
The project will consist of two basement levels, a ground floor and 30 upper floors.
It is expected to include 469 residential units: 261 one-bedroom apartments, 99 two-bedroom units, 93 three-bedroom units, and 16 five-bedroom apartments.
Other facilities planned within the development include a minimart, restaurant, shop, swimming pool, gymnasium, library and generator room.
According to the report by Limerence Company’s environmental experts, they have
identified possible impacts such as air and noise pollution, increased traffic, greater demand for water and electricity, solid waste generation, and storm-water drainage challenges.
To address these concerns, the report proposes several mitigation measures, including dust control, noise management, rainwater harvesting, efficient waste handling, and deployment of traffic marshals during construction.
NEMA said copies of the environmental assessment reports are available for public inspection at its headquarters in Nairobi and at the office of the County Director of Environment.
The reports are also available on the authority’s website.
The authority said comments received from the public will help inform its decision on whether the two developments should proceed.
Public participation matters because it lets local communities support projects they believe will bring benefits such as new housing, jobs, better services, and increased investment in their areas.
Under Kenya’s environmental laws, comments from the public form part of the information NEMA considers before approving, rejecting or requiring changes to a project.
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What about the complimenting infrastructure, roads , sewage ,electricity and water supply, have these been factored in for posterity of westlands, kilimani and the extra population that comes with it