Nairobi County Launches Audit of Apartments Amid Safety Concerns in Six Estates
Landlords in six Nairobi estates are facing uncertainty after the Nairobi County government announced a comprehensive audit of apartment buildings to ensure tenant safety. The exercise, targeting Pipeline, Tassia, Kayole, Dandora, Mwiki, and Dagoretti, aims to identify structures that require repairs or, in extreme cases, demolition. County officials warn that buildings failing to meet safety and construction standards could face serious consequences, highlighting the government’s commitment to preventing accidents and protecting residents.
Nairobi County’s Built Environment and Urban Planning Chief Officer, Patrick Analo, said a multi-agency committee will oversee the audit, including representatives from the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Urban Planning Directorate, and the National Building Inspectorate. The team will assess structural integrity, compliance with building codes, and whether construction materials meet required standards. Buildings meeting minimum requirements will be regularized and approved, while those deemed unsafe may be issued directives for repairs or face demolition. Stakeholders stressed that rigorous oversight during this process is critical to avoid tragedies like past building collapses in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region.
The audit comes against a backdrop of a growing housing deficit in Nairobi, which has led some developers to prioritize speed and cost-cutting over construction quality. Reports indicate that 13 buildings collapsed in the metropolitan area in 2022 alone, often due to poor workmanship and non-compliance with safety standards. The Architectural Association of Kenya has pledged to work closely with the county to mitigate risks, emphasizing that early detection, strict enforcement, and thorough planning are essential to prevent future incidents. The initiative reflects Nairobi County’s broader efforts to uphold safety, enforce regulations, and restore public confidence in urban housing.