IEK Pushes for Approval system reform at Nairobi county to unlock stalled construction projects

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 2 – The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has called on Nairobi County authorities to urgently address prolonged delays in approving development applications, saying the current system is inefficient, opaque, and negatively impacting the city’s infrastructure and investment growth.

IEK President Eng. Shammah Kitemi while appearing before the Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee said the frustrations expressed by engineers and developers highlight deep-rooted inefficiencies in the county’s approval process.

“Too many submissions are stuck in the system with no feedback or clarity on their progress,” Eng. Kitemi said.

“Our members have reached out to us repeatedly, concerned about how long it takes to get approvals and the total lack of tracking mechanisms”, he added.

The engineers’ association is advocating for county’s planning and development approval systems, proposing a more transparent and predictable framework that allows professionals and developers to track the status of their submissions in real time.

While other counties have adopted faster and more transparent systems, Nairobi despite being the capital lags behind, the IEK noted.

“We have seen better practices in other counties. Nairobi can and should do better. We are ready to work with the county to identify the pain points and propose practical solutions”.

The Planning Committee, chaired by Kitusuru Ward MCA Alvin Palapala, welcomed the engineers input and gave assurances that the concerns would be taken seriously.

“We will speak to the executive and ensure this matter is addressed thoroughly, We want this to be the last time you’re raising these issues,” Palapala said, As a committee, we commit to working with professionals like you to fix this.”

Palapala emphasized the importance of collaboration between the county and professional bodies in crafting a solution that benefits both public service and private development.

IEK recommended the introduction of digital approval systems, fixed timelines for reviews, and consistent communication between the county and applicants.

As Nairobi continues to expand, engineers say such reforms are critical to ensuring the city’s development remains efficient, sustainable and investor-friendly.