Kajiado County Freezes All Pending Development Applications to Curb Unplanned Growth
Kajiado County has suspended the dispatch and approval of all pending development applications as part of a wider crackdown on unregulated construction across both urban and rural areas. The directive, issued this week by the County Government, aims to address rising concerns over uncontrolled development that has strained essential infrastructure and disrupted planned settlement patterns.
County officials say the freeze will remain in place as departments review existing applications and strengthen enforcement of planning guidelines. The move is expected to curb the surge of informal developments that have been emerging in fast-growing towns such as Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Kajiado Town, and the wider metropolitan outskirts.
The county noted that numerous construction projects have been launched without proper approvals, leading to disputes, encroachment on public land, improper land use, and overstretched utilities such as water, drainage, and road networks. The reassessment will help ensure developments align with zoning policies, environmental requirements, and long-term urban planning frameworks.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the move. While some support the efforts to restore order and protect public spaces, others worry that the temporary freeze could delay investment projects, particularly in the booming real estate sector. Nonetheless, county authorities maintain that the exercise is necessary to prevent long-term chaos and ensure sustainable growth.