Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja reiterated on Sunday that the ongoing construction of high-rise apartments in the upscale neighborhoods of Kileleshwa and Lavington will proceed as planned, despite concerns raised by residents.
Addressing congregants during a church service in Bahati, Nairobi County, Sakaja emphasized the inevitability of Nairobi’s expansion and the need to accommodate its growing population. He acknowledged the grievances expressed by some Nairobians regarding the changing landscape of their affluent neighborhoods but stressed the necessity of vertical growth in a city projected to reach a population of 10.5 million by 2050.
Sakaja highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in areas such as sewerage, water, and drainage, to support the vertical expansion of Nairobi. He also disclosed that President William Ruto had authorized the construction of high-rise buildings in the city, following the removal of long-standing height restrictions.
The Governor explained that the height restriction, previously imposed near the airport from the Eastleigh airbase downwards, had been lifted to facilitate the construction of high-rise apartments under the Affordable Housing Programme. Sakaja emphasized the need to adapt to evolving urban dynamics, citing the impracticality of relying on outdated restrictions in a rapidly growing city.
Formerly categorized as Zone Four by the Nairobi City Council, Kileleshwa had imposed a four-floor limit on building permits. Similarly, Lavington was classified as Zone Five, imposing restrictions alongside Upper Spring Valley, Kyuna, and Loresho areas. However, recent developments have seen the emergence of apartment buildings exceeding these limits, with some structures rising as high as 15 floors.
Despite the progress in vertical development, residents have raised concerns about issues such as waste dumping, sewer pipe bursts, and water shortages in these areas. These challenges underscore the importance of comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure management to support sustainable growth in Nairobi’s affluent neighborhoods.
