Mombasa
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In response to growing concerns over building safety, the Mombasa County Government has announced a stringent enforcement of construction regulations, effective immediately.
The county is warning property developers that failure to comply with approved building conditions could result in the suspension or revocation of their construction permits. Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Lands, Urban Planning, and Housing, has issued a public notice emphasizing the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols.
Developers are now required to formally notify the county government upon commencing any construction work, ensuring all stipulated safety measures are strictly followed. Additionally, the county mandates the prominent display of site boards identifying ongoing projects at each location. According to the CEC, non-compliance will lead to severe penalties, including the cancellation of construction permits.
"All developers must strictly comply with the approval conditions outlined in their construction permits, particularly the obligation to notify authorities of the commencement of work," the notice states. "Non-compliance may lead to suspension or revocation of the permits, in accordance with the law."
The county government is also directing property managers and landlords to enhance the aesthetic and structural integrity of buildings throughout Mombasa. A separate directive mandates that all buildings must be painted within 90 days to meet acceptable standards, requiring property owners to clean, refurbish, and maintain their structures adequately. Reinforcing its urban beautification efforts, the authorities have reasserted an earlier executive order specifying that buildings must be painted in Bermuda Blue and White—colours selected to reflect Mombasa’s coastal identity.
The aim is to create a cohesive and visually appealing cityscape.
These enforcement actions follow recent safety concerns, including an incident last week where cracks appeared in an 11-story residential building near Coast General Hospital, prompting emergency evacuations amid fears of a potential collapse. Heavy rainfall in the region is suspected of exacerbating underlying structural weaknesses. Mombasa has experienced rapid urban development, sometimes outpacing regulatory enforcement.