Nairobi City County has announced a six-month compliance window for property owners and developers to regularise unauthorised developments before enforcement measures begin later this year.

The initiative, introduced under the Nairobi City County Regularisation of Unauthorised Developments Regulations, 2025, seeks to allow owners of structurally sound but unapproved developments to bring their projects into compliance without facing penalties during the grace period, which runs until December.

Speaking during the launch of the programme, County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo said the campaign is intended to encourage voluntary compliance while reducing disputes associated with enforcement exercises.

Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning Patrick Analo stated that developers with ongoing or completed projects have been given a one-time opportunity to regularise their properties before the county shifts to stricter enforcement measures against those who fail to comply.

According to county officials, the programme aims to improve urban planning, strengthen property ownership security and support better infrastructure and service delivery across the capital.

Property owners seeking approval have been encouraged to submit whatever documentation they currently possess, even where some requirements may be missing, with officials from the Urban Planning Department expected to assist applicants and provide guidance on additional requirements.

Under the process, qualifying developments will first receive conditional approvals before eventually being issued with Certificates of Compliance after meeting all county requirements.

The exercise will address a wide range of development matters, including building plan approvals, changes and extensions of land use, land subdivision and amalgamation, lease renewals and occupation certification.

However, the county clarified that certain developments will not qualify for regularisation.

These include buildings constructed on public land, structures located within riparian or protected areas, unsafe developments and projects undertaken contrary to court directives.

Mbogo noted that the exercise is expected to minimise unnecessary demolitions, reduce conflicts arising from enforcement operations and improve access to financing by ensuring developers have proper documentation.

He also warned that once the six-month period ends in December, authorities will step up enforcement actions against non-compliant developments, including possible demolitions and other legal measures.