Nairobi City County Government, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, has announced plans to prepare a new zoning and land-use development plan for Westlands, outlining how the county will manage the area and guide urban growth and development.
Sakaja’s proposed Nairobi zoning changes come at a sensitive moment for Eastleigh, where a multi-storey building collapsed on Friday, October 23, 2026, raising fresh questions about high-density development, approvals and enforcement.
In a public notice dated October 26, 2026, Nairobi City County Government said the proposed Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan for Westlands Zone aims to provide a sustainable, comprehensive framework for development and land-use management.
“Pursuant to the provisions of section (47) of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, NOTICE is hereby given that Nairobi City County Government intends to commence preparation of the above Plan on the 10/10/2026,” the statement read in part.
The proposed plan covers an area defined by several geographical boundaries, including Waiyaki Way, the boundary with Kiambu County, Gatharuru River, Karura Forest, Mathare River, Thika Road, Murang’a Road and Prof Wangari Maathai Road.
The planning area also includes sections defined by the Kirichwa River and specified geographical coordinates, as outlined in the county’s public notice.
Why Sakaja’s Administration Is Preparing the Westlands Zoning Plan
According to the notice, the county intends to identify development challenges within Westlands and establish appropriate measures to address them.
“The purpose of the Plan is to provide a sustainable and comprehensive development framework to guide growth and land use management within the Westlands zone.”
It will also identify infrastructure gaps that need to be addressed to support sustainable development and improve service delivery.
Another objective is to establish clear zoning guidelines to manage development trends and promote a sustainable urban form.
Nairobi City County further intends to safeguard heritage, cultural and environmental assets in accordance with relevant laws.
The proposed framework will also align with county, metropolitan, and national development plans.
The notice identifies stakeholder participation as another objective, with the county seeking collaborative engagement in the development process.
Residents Given Until November 16 to Submit Views
Nairobi City County has invited members of the public to submit written comments on the proposed Westlands zoning plan.
Also Read: Sakaja Announces New Nairobi Land Rates for 2027: Here’s What Property Owners Will Pay
According to the notice, submissions must be made within 21 days of publication, with November 16, 2026, set as the deadline.
“Comments on the proposed plan may be directed to the County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning in writing within 21 days of the publication of this notice and not later than 16/11/2026,” the notice read.
Address comments to the County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning, Nairobi City County Government, P.O. Box 30075–00100, Nairobi.
The public consultation process will allow stakeholders to submit their views on the proposed planning framework before the plan preparation process progresses.
Eastleigh collapse
The Eastleigh collapse occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, when an 18-storey building under construction on 9th Street, Kamukunji Sub-County, pancaked onto itself in the afternoon.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 67 construction workers were at the site when it collapsed. He confirmed that 66 escaped uninjured and one was injured and in stable condition.
Also Read: Several Feared Trapped as Mall Collapses in Eastleigh
The building stood on 9th Street, near Yusuf Haji Avenue and Day to Day Supermarket, in Eastleigh. It was under construction, but businesses operated on the lower floors and construction workers worked on the upper levels.
Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county approved a change of use from residential to commercial-cum-residential on October 17, 2024, but did not approve the architectural plans needed to authorise construction.
He said architect Emmanuel Mwangi Maina submitted the plans on November 20, 2024, but the county did not approve them.
“There was a change-of-use application that was granted, but the building application was not granted,” he said.
The developer on record was John Mutia Musyoki, while the National Construction Authority identified 9th Street Plaza Limited as the developer and Stromax Holdings E.A. Limited as the contractor.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
