NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi County has launched a six-month amnesty allowing property owners and developers to regularise unauthorised buildings and alterations without facing penalties, demolition or enforcement action.
In a public notice issued on Friday, December 5, City Hall said the one-time window is intended to bring thousands of developments—many built without approvals—into conformity with county planning and safety standards.
The initiative will enable applicants to obtain formal recognition and a Certificate of Compliance once all required conditions are met.
Developers will also receive technical guidance from county planning professionals, and compliant projects will be integrated into official planning frameworks.
Under the amnesty, submissions can be made through the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS) or physically at City Hall and designated Sub-County offices.
Applicants are required to present all existing documents related to their developments, after which county planners will determine any additional requirements needed for full compliance.
City Hall said eligible applications include changes to subdivisions or amalgamations, building plans, occupancy permits, and lease renewals or extensions.
However, the county will not regularise developments on public land, protected areas, riparian reserves, unsafe buildings, projects under court dispute, or any construction undertaken after October 2025.
All submissions must be certified by registered planners, architects or engineers. The county cautioned that professionals who submit false, misleading or negligent documentation will be held accountable.
Fees and payments applicable to the amnesty will be guided by the Nairobi City County Finance Act.
Once reviewed, developers may receive conditional approvals outlining steps required to meet planning and safety standards.
Those who fail to comply within the six-month period will face enforcement measures under the law.
Governor Johnson Sakaja has repeatedly urged Nairobi residents to take advantage of the amnesty, saying the county will embark on citywide crackdowns once the deadline lapses.
“If you have an unauthorised building, this is your chance to regularise it. Once the amnesty period ends, the law will take its course,” Sakaja said in October.
City Hall says the regularisation programme is part of broader reforms aimed at improving order, safety and accountability in Nairobi’s built environment.
