Governor Mike Sonko Stops Construction of One of Nairobi's Tallest Skyscrapers

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has stopped the construction of the 43-storey Avic International Africa headquarters in Nairobi's Westlands area.

Sonko said the mega structure has encroached on public roads and contractors have violated planning laws.

More than 15 Chinese citizens working on the construction site were arrested and charged with erecting a building without approval. Also arrested were two Kenyans.

The skyscraper was set to be one of Nairobi's tallest structure and was apparently to host the JW Marriot, a chain of hotels headquartered in the United States.

“We wish to inform the general public especially people residing around Parklands, Westlands and Riverside that we have this morning stopped the construction of the Avic International building along the Waiyaki Way/ Chiromo Road and arrested all the Chinese and Kenyan contractors on site for defying the county planning laws by encroaching on the famous Chiromo close public access,” said a statement from Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

The Governor also alleged that Avic International bribed the previous administration $2 million (Sh200,000,000) in cash as “protection fee”.

Sonko said county officials linked to the construction of the Avic International building will be sacked.

“Kuanzia Tito Kilonzi head of security compliance, Kathenge head of planning and approvals, arresting officers and the county prosecutor you will all go home by end of today (Thursday),” Sonko added.

The Chinese contractors and their two Kenyan colleagues pleaded not guilty to the charge and were freed on Sh100,000 cash bail each.