Property owners in Nairobi can breathe a sigh of relief after Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration unveiled an amnesty programme for the registration of unauthorised buildings.
The Nairobi County Government on Friday, December, announced a six-month amnesty programme to register all unauthorised developments without facing any penalties.
According to the County Government, the move is part of the Nairobi development regulations of 2025, which seek to streamline compliance while addressing the widespread challenge of unapproved developments.
"The Nairobi City County Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025, offer a one-time opportunity for developers, property owners, and occupiers to bring unauthorised developments into compliance, without penalties," the county announced.
In the notice, the county stated that owners of both completed and unlawful buildings under construction would be allowed to register.
Those seeking to register their unlawful and unapproved buildings were directed to submit their application through the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS) or in person.
"You may submit whatever documents you currently have, and the County Planning Department will guide you on what else is needed. Applications must be submitted within 6 months of the date of this notice," read part of the notice.
Upon applying, it would be reviewed by the assigned county officials, who will grant a conditional approval with clear steps to achieve full compliance.
Once all conditions are met, the applicant will receive a certificate of compliance, and the development will be issued, and the same will be added to the county records.
However, the county government clarified that some unlawful developments would be excluded from registration; these include developments built on riparian zones or public lands.
Additionally, the county will decline registration from buildings constructed in protected areas, unsafe structures and those violating court orders.
As per the notice, all applications must be certified by registered professionals, for instance, planners, architects, and engineers. The county warned that it would hold professionals accountable for false or negligent submissions.
