Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome will have control over development projects in parts of the Central Business District (CBD) following the classification of the Nairobi Railway City as a Strategic National on Inter County project.
In a notice dated Tuesday, March 12, it was noted that the CS would be responsible for considering and approving development permissions of projects set to be undertaken within the classified area.
In a map published by the Corporation, the section classified includes areas from Haile Sellassie Avenue extending to Bunyala Road, Commercial Street and Landhis Road.
Notable Institutions under the classified area include; The Technical University of Kenya, Government Press, Kenya Railways Headquarters, Police Housing and Wakulima House.
"Consequent to this classification, the statutory responsibility for the Physical and Land Use Planning activities for the entire Nairobi Railway City lies solely with the Director of Physical Planning.
"All development control activities within the jurisdiction of the Nairobi Railway City is under the sole authority of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Physical Planning Matters, as provided for under the provisions of section 13(g) and 69 (4) of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, respectively," read the notice in part.
It was explained that the classification of the area was part of the government's plan to expand the CBD.
Under the plan, the government will embark on the construction of a new railway station which is being undertaken in conjunction with the United Kingdom government.
Notably, construction for the project was officiated by President William Ruto in December 2022. Part of the project entails the development of 10,000 houses within the 425 acres of prime land.
"Kenya Railways seeks to develop a unique, state-of-the-art railway station that will increase the station's capacity to cope with a rapidly expanding commuter network.
"The station will provide seamless interconnectivity with the City through Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) corridors and other integrated transit nodes such as the BUS Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The intended outcome is a safe and secure environment at the station for everyone," read the master plan.
The Railway City project is estimated to cost Ksh28 billion.
