Nairobi City County has launched a new public awareness and compliance programme allowing property owners and developers to regularise unauthorised but structurally sound developments without penalties within a six-month grace period running until December.
The initiative, introduced under the Nairobi City County Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations 2025, was unveiled by County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo.
According to Patrick Analo, the programme is aimed at aligning previously unapproved developments with planning and building regulations, while strengthening land ownership security and improving urban infrastructure and service delivery.
Analo said property owners have until December to regularise their developments before strict enforcement measures are rolled out against those who fail to comply. He added that the exercise covers both ongoing and completed structures, offering a one-time opportunity for compliance.
Under the programme, developers are encouraged to submit available documentation even where some requirements are missing, with county planning officers expected to guide applicants through the process. Approved applications will receive conditional approvals before being issued with Certificates of Compliance once all requirements are met.
The regularisation process will address issues such as change or extension of land use, subdivision and amalgamation of parcels, building plan approvals, occupation certificates and lease renewals.
However, county officials clarified that structures on public land, riparian reserves, protected zones, unsafe buildings, and developments undertaken in violation of court orders will not qualify for the programme.
Patrick Mbogo said the initiative is intended to reduce conflicts linked to enforcement, prevent unnecessary demolitions, improve access to financing through proper documentation, and ensure orderly urban development in line with Nairobi’s long-term planning framework.
He warned that once the six-month grace period lapses in December, the county will intensify enforcement, including demolition and other regulatory actions against non-compliant developments.
