President William Ruto revealed that his government is lifting the 12-floor cap on Eastleigh storey buildings and raising that to 30 floors.
Speaking during an impromptu visit in Mathare, the Head of State explained that the cap is aimed at increasing accommodation for all citizens.
He further noted that improved accommodation will ensure that slum dwellers are accorded decent lifestyles therefore promoting harmonious living.
"Since I am the Commander in Chief, I have said that in Eastleigh, you couldn't build a house beyond 12 floors but now we can build storey buildings of up to 30 floors so that citizens can get accommodation and live in a harmonious neighbourhood," he stated.
Ruto further indicated that his government was preparing to advertise for the construction of 20,000 affordable houses in the slum neighborhoods of Mathare, Kiamaiko and Kibra.
He explained that once complete, the residents will own houses whose rent-to-buy agreement will only see them part with Ksh3,000 monthly.
"Before Friday, we are going to advertise for the construction of 20,000 housing units From Kibra, here in Kiamaiko all the way to Mwiki so that so that we can begin the process of making these slum dwellers homeowners in Kenya."
"The houses we are building, you the citizen will be paying Ksh3,000 and live in a house with water supply, power, and washrooms," the Head of State assured.
Ruto's directive lends power to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's March proposal to review the floor limit for residential buildings within Nairobi County to 75 floors.
At the time, the Nairobi Governor explained that the county was grappling with limited space but the limit would be reviewed depending on the affected estates.
"When I was with the President and I mentioned that we can only go up, I saw a little bit of hue and cry because people are concerned about the public infrastructure. I want to confirm and clarify that our development policy and zoning framework that we have taken to our assembly allow up to 75 floors in certain areas," Sakaja stated at the time in an attempt to calm down uproars that the city was turning into a concrete jungle.
"I am glad that the competent infrastructure needed which is the sewerage, water and traffic is coming in toe. We will make Nairobi work and make it take its rightful place as the jewel of this continent," he stated.
