Addressing attendees at a church service in Makadara, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced that landlords would now be permitted to construct buildings reaching up to 25 floors. Previously, residential apartment buildings were constrained to a maximum of four floors, with developers prohibited from exceeding this limit.

Governor Sakaja clarified that the height restrictions were initially imposed in residential areas near airports to facilitate the evacuation of the President during emergencies. However, with Nairobi’s evolving landscape and population growth, such evacuation measures were deemed impractical, leading to the revision of these restrictions.

“There were constraints on building heights, particularly near the Airport in Eastleigh Airbase, aimed at facilitating the President’s emergency evacuation. However, after discussions with the President, these limitations have been lifted,” stated Sakaja.

Responding to concerns raised by Nairobi residents regarding the proliferation of high-rise estates in areas like Kilimani and Kileleshwa, Sakaja emphasized the city’s expanding population. He explained that vertical expansion was the only feasible option for accommodating this growth, hence the decision to remove the height restrictions.

“Nairobi spans 696 square kilometers, and by 2050, the population is projected to reach 10.5 million. With limited land available for expansion, vertical growth is the logical path forward,” Sakaja elaborated.

Furthermore, the Governor outlined plans to enhance sewage systems and water reservoirs to support the city’s development. However, he clarified that the 25-floor limit applies specifically to areas surrounding airbases and is not a blanket restriction.

“The mention of a 25-floor limit earlier today pertains to specific areas near airbases, not a universal restriction. We have proposed an area-specific zoning framework allowing for up to 75 floors in certain areas, pending approval by the assembly,” Sakaja clarified.