Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja took decisive action on Wednesday, April 24, by announcing a ban on all pending building development approvals in response to the ongoing heavy rainfall in the capital, which posed a significant risk to critical infrastructure.

"We have halted all pending building development approvals until we are able to review those that are continuing across the city," declared Sakaja, underlining the urgent need for reassessment in light of the adverse weather conditions.

In addition to halting pending approvals, Sakaja's administration imposed an immediate ban on all excavations within Nairobi County. This decision, prompted by concerns over the structural integrity of buildings, particularly those in close proximity to neighboring structures, aims to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety.

The governor's announcement followed mounting pressure from activists advocating for stricter adherence to urban planning codes and regulations within the city.

Initially, Sakaja had maintained a stance of continued issuance of permits, even for ambitious projects envisioning the construction of skyscrapers reaching up to 75 storeys in leafy suburbs like Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington. However, relentless rainfall rendered many of these areas uninhabitable, prompting a reevaluation of building practices and approvals.

The dire situation in Kilimani, where residents of Elite Court along Ole Dume Road were compelled to evacuate due to flooding, underscored the urgency of Sakaja's decision. The construction of flats on riparian lands was identified as a contributing factor to the flooding, prompting Sakaja to announce a prohibition on building approvals for riparian land in the future.

As Nairobi grapples with the challenges posed by heavy rains and inadequate urban planning, Sakaja's proactive measures seek to safeguard residents and mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions on the city's infrastructure and inhabitants.