Industry News
Nairobi Building Approvals in Crisis as System Hits a Wall
NPDMS has done little to fix a process still riddled with inefficiencies and abuse.
Delays and widespread corruption tied to the building approvals process have increasingly crippled Nairobi’s construction sector, with some applications taking months—if not more than a year—to be processed.
According to industry players, the introduction of the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS)—a platform meant to speed up approvals—has done little to fix a process still riddled with inefficiencies and abuse.
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has criticised the NPDMS, arguing that its shortcomings force professionals to seek approvals in person, creating room for bribery and backdoor dealings.
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“The engineered delay creates an opportunity for corruption,” said Shammah Kiteme, an IEK representative, during a recent session with the Nairobi County Assembly Committee on Lands, Planning and Housing.
The engineering body warns that such actions reduce public trust in government institutions and development, while posing serious risks to the safety and reliability of city infrastructure.
“Corruption directly affects the pace and quality of urban development, exposing the public to unsafe infrastructure and unjust development outcomes,” IEK warned.
Indeed, the delays have negatively impacted the sector. In January 2025, for example, the value of approved building plans in the city county fell to Sh8.6 billion—the lowest in nearly two years.
In February 2025, approved building plans were valued at Sh15.8 billion. Of this, Sh12.5 billion was for residential buildings, and Sh3.4 billion for non-residential projects. This was a drop compared to December the previous year, when the total value stood at Sh24.1 billion.
This decline points to a weakening construction sector, which could lead to job losses and slow down the growth and improvement of urban areas.
Engineers are calling on Nairobi City County, the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, and national investigative bodies to act quickly—identify the issues and implement necessary reforms.
They say stronger oversight and holding county officials accountable are key to bringing back trust in Nairobi’s construction sector.
Without urgent action to make things more efficient and transparent, they warn, the city’s hopes for safe, well-planned growth could be in danger.
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