County Records Show Erring Developer Continued Building Without Official Authorization

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has disclosed that the multi-storey building that recently collapsed in the Eastleigh area operated without valid construction approval or a mandatory occupation certificate.

Inspecting the disaster scene alongside multi-agency rescue teams, the county boss revealed that although initial applications for change of use had been processed, subsequent architectural plans seeking to put up a fifteen-storey structure with basements were formally rejected by the county’s Urban Planning Committee.

Sakaja emphasized that despite explicit objections raised against the unapproved blueprints and proposed commercial layouts, construction continued unlawfully in blatant disregard of municipal regulations.

The governor pointed out that the building lacked the requisite occupation certification, which legally bars any form of human activity or commercial occupancy prior to comprehensive safety clearance.

Preliminary county records identified the developer on record alongside associated engineering and architectural professionals, prompting authorities to forward all project documentation to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Sakaja insisted that professionals who lend their credentials to illegal sites must be held personally accountable for compromising public safety, noting that lax enforcement mechanisms and rogue operators continue to endanger lives across rapidly expanding urban neighborhoods.

The catastrophic collapse has triggered widespread national outrage, intensifying calls from leaders and civil society groups for tougher administrative penalties, restitution of county prosecutorial powers, and rigorous structural audits across Nairobi.

As emergency response personnel, the Kenya Red Cross, and security forces finalize search and rescue operations at the debris site, authorities have vowed to prosecute every individual whose negligence or complicity contributed to the disaster.

The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for absolute adherence to urban planning laws and uncompromising regulatory oversight in the construction sector.

What are your thoughts about this article? Share your reactions in the comment section and don’t forget to share and follow for more updates.

https://peopledaily.digital/news/eastleigh-building-collapse-sakaja-says-15-storey-project-had-no-construction-approval

Nyasilibwi feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com