This fresh move, which aligns with the county’s new 2025 development regulations, aims to bring long-standing construction disputes to an end while giving owners a fair chance to comply
with planning laws.
with planning laws.
Announced on Friday, December 6, the initiative gives individuals and companies with unapproved or incomplete structures six months to register their buildings without facing fines or demolition threats.
According to county officials, the goal is to help Nairobi clean up its construction sector, which has suffered for years due to confusion, backlog, and a rise in structures built without proper documentation.
Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration stated that the programme, known formally as the Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025, provides a one-time opportunity for property owners, developers, or tenants acting on behalf of landlords to make things right.
The county explained that both completed buildings and those still under construction can be registered. Applicants only need to submit their request through the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS) or visit the county offices physically.
Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration stated that the programme, known formally as the Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025, provides a one-time opportunity for property owners, developers, or tenants acting on behalf of landlords to make things right.
The county explained that both completed buildings and those still under construction can be registered. Applicants only need to submit their request through the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS) or visit the county offices physically.
Officials emphasised that applicants should not fear lacking certain documents; the county’s planning department will guide them on what is missing and how to obtain it.
Once a file is submitted, county experts will review the development and issue a conditional approval outlining what must be fixed or updated to meet planning standards.
Once a file is submitted, county experts will review the development and issue a conditional approval outlining what must be fixed or updated to meet planning standards.
When all conditions are met, the owner will receive a certificate of compliance, officially recognising the building in county records.
However, the county warned that not all structures qualify for regularisation. Developments built on riparian reserves, road reserves, public land, protected zones, dangerous sites, or those already flagged by court orders will be automatically rejected.
However, the county warned that not all structures qualify for regularisation. Developments built on riparian reserves, road reserves, public land, protected zones, dangerous sites, or those already flagged by court orders will be automatically rejected.
Officials insisted that Nairobi cannot compromise on safety or environmental protection in the name of amnesty.
To strengthen accountability, the county also announced that all applications must be certified by registered industry professionals such as engineers, architects, and urban planners.
To strengthen accountability, the county also announced that all applications must be certified by registered industry professionals such as engineers, architects, and urban planners.
Any expert who submits false information or tries to mislead the county will face disciplinary action.
County leaders believe this amnesty will not only help property owners but also improve urban planning, remove long-standing confusion around building records, and enhance revenue collection. It is expected that many landlords—previously afraid of penalties—will finally come forward to clean up their paperwork.
The announcement has already sparked relief among city residents, especially those worried about losing their investments.
County leaders believe this amnesty will not only help property owners but also improve urban planning, remove long-standing confusion around building records, and enhance revenue collection. It is expected that many landlords—previously afraid of penalties—will finally come forward to clean up their paperwork.
The announcement has already sparked relief among city residents, especially those worried about losing their investments.
