Eastleigh Developers in Limbo as Ruto Reverses Stance on High-Rise Construction

The recent directives from President William Ruto regarding the height restrictions for high-rise buildings in Eastleigh, Nairobi, have sparked confusion and raised concerns among developers in the area.

The contradictory statements from the president have cast doubt on the transparency and adherence to regulations governing the construction industry. During the Kenya Air Force's 60th anniversary celebrations at the Moi Airbase in Eastleigh, President Ruto announced plans to regulate the construction of high-rise buildings in the vicinity of the airbase. His commitment to maintaining the airbase's premium status seemed to contradict his earlier stance in which he had declared the removal of restrictions on building heights in Eastleigh.

Previously, developers were limited to constructing buildings of up to 12 storeys, but Ruto's new directive allows for structures as tall as 25 or 30 storeys to provide more accommodation options for citizens. The Property Developers Welfare Society of Nairobi, representing the interests of developers in the area, is seeking clarity on the matter. While the society emphasizes its commitment to following approved plans from the Nairobi County Planning Department, the conflicting messages from the president have created uncertainty, prompting them to call for a stakeholder meeting.

The Secretary General of the society Abdi Dahir advocates for transparent communication and clarity in regulation. He supports cracking down on rogue developers who violate established norms but criticizes the county for issuing approvals that they later disown. The situation has even raised the possibility of legal action if properties are demolished due to the conflicting directives. Despite the president's directive, Dahir maintains that the county's approval process remains paramount.