Kajiado Building Restrictions Set Historic Precedent

Kajiado County has set a historic precedent in development control by implementing new building restrictions aimed at curbing unplanned growth.

This decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Engagement (MoE) between the Kajiado County Alliance of Residents Associations (K-CARA) and the County Government.

Under the new rules, all development applications will be required to get a No Objection Letter (NOL) from the residents’ association before being processed by the county.

This is a formal letter written by the residents’ association indicating that they have no objections to the development plan, ensuring that the development project is consistent with community needs and planning policies.

“This particular agreement is a game-changer to our residents,” said Hamilton Parseina, the CECM for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, after the signing.

“We are embedding structured citizen participation into governance to ensure that development aligns with community needs, environmental sustainability, and legal frameworks.”

The introduction of these Kajiado building restrictions marks a significant shift in how developments will be managed in the county, aiming to ensure that both urban and rural growth is well-planned and accountable.

Parseina further explained that, from now on, “no project will proceed without the endorsement of residents, ensuring accountability from the ground.”

He added that any previously submitted but unapproved applications must be returned to secure the necessary NOL from the designated local resident associations.

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This policy aims to promote sustainable spatial planning, enforce zoning regulations, and ensure that developments comply with both county and national government guidelines.

“This transformative policy aims to curb unplanned developments, enforce zoning regulations, approve county and national governments’ terms and conditions, and promote sustainable spatial planning,” Parseina said.

Development experts have hailed the new framework as Kenya’s most systematic approach to public participation in governance. They highlight that it is in compliance with the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (2019), the County Governments Act (2012), and the Urban Areas and Cities Act (2011), which cements the legal framework for people-focused urban planning.

Anne Wafula, Secretary of Administration and Strategy at K-CARA, has highlighted the national significance of the policy, terming it a “historic precedent in development control.”

She further stressed that Kajiado is now Kenya’s first county to require NOLs from residents’ associations, ensuring that new projects align with local interests and planning regulations.

“This move sets a national precedent, positioning Kajiado as a leader in resident-driven urban planning, investment mobilization, and environmental conservation,” Wafula said.

The Kajiado building controls also put in place a multi-agency enforcement framework, which involves institutions such as the National Land Commission (NLC) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in enforcing strict adherence to planning regulations.

With the MoE now in place, the county urges all developers, investors, and residents to engage actively with the community before embarking on any new developments.

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