Nairobi County is the capital and largest city of Kenya, and it is also the most populous county in the country. The county is home to a diverse population, and it is a hub for commerce, industry, and tourism.

Nairobi County is a rapidly growing city that has experienced significant urbanization over the last few decades. With a growing population, the need for new and improved infrastructure, commercial buildings, and residential homes has increased.

As a result, the government has set up a system to regulate construction, and one of the key components of that system is the building plan approval process.

Given the rapid growth and development of Nairobi, the planning approval process is critical to ensure that new developments are safe, sustainable, and in line with the county’s vision and objectives.

The building plan approval process is essential for ensuring that all construction projects within the county comply with building and safety codes. This process is critical as it ensures that buildings are structurally sound, safe, and habitable for occupants.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide to the building plan approval process in Nairobi County.

Nairobi County Building Plans Approval Process

Requirements for Planning Approval

To obtain a construction/building permit in Nairobi, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

The applicant must be the owner of the property or have obtained written permission from the owner to proceed with the construction project.
The construction project must comply with the local building codes and regulations.
The applicant must provide a detailed plan and design of the construction project.
The applicant must pay the requisite fee
Provide any additional documents required by the local authorities

As mentioned, to obtain planning approval in Nairobi County, developers and property owners must adhere to the zoning regulations and building codes and standards.

There are also fees and charges associated with the planning approval process, which vary depending on the type and scope of the proposed development.

The planning approval process in Nairobi County involves several documents, including copies of project drawings, a site maps, title deeds, and ownership documents.

Additionally, five sets of building plans for the architectural and structural engineer’s drawings are required, as well as land rates clearance and an approval fee.

Generally, the documents include;

Title copy as proof of ownership or lease agreement for the site
A survey map
Certified structural and architectural drawings
Structural calculations (where applicable)
Land rates clearance
Land search

The process is designed to ensure that proposed developments are safe, sustainable, and in line with the county’s vision and objectives.

Types of applications

In Nairobi County, there are different types of planning applications, including change of use, sub-division of land, building plan approval, and conditional use permits. The type of application required depends on the nature and scope of the proposed development.

Fees and charges

There are fees and charges associated with the planning approval process in Nairobi County, including application fees, inspection fees, and development fees. The fees and charges vary depending on the type and scope of the proposed development.

How much is the approval fees: The rates for building plan approval in Nairobi County vary depending on the estimated cost of construction. Generally, the fee is 1% of the estimated cost of construction.

Zoning regulations

Developers and property owners must adhere to the zoning regulations in Nairobi County, which outline the permissible uses of land in different areas. The zoning regulations help to regulate land use and development and ensure that development is safe and in line with the county’s vision and objectives.

Steps In Nairobi County Building Plans Approval Process

The building plans approval process in Nairobi County is a multistage process that involves several steps. The following is a detailed explanation of the process:

Submission of building plans to the county government

The first step in the building plan approval process is the submission of building plans to the county government.

The plans should be prepared by a registered architect, engineer or a related professional, and should include details such as the type of building, number of floors, the materials to be used, and the dimensions of the structure.

Review of the plans by county officials

After the submission of the building plans, county officials review the plans to ensure that they comply with building codes and regulations. They check to ensure that the plans meet minimum standards for structural integrity, fire safety, and environmental health, among others.

Inspection of the construction site

Once the plans have been reviewed and approved, an inspection of the construction site is carried out. During the inspection, county officials ensure that the construction is carried out as per the approved plans and that all necessary safety measures are in place.

Approval of the building plans by the county government

After the inspection is completed, the county government approves the building plans, which means that the construction can continue.

Finally, a building permit is issued to the applicant, indicating that the construction has been approved, and they can proceed with the construction process.

For commercial projects, NCA registration is required.

Project Registration with the National Construction Authority of Kenya(NCA)

Project registration with the National Construction Authority (NCA) is a requirement for all contractors undertaking construction projects in Kenya.

The process of registering a project with the NCA is relatively straightforward and involves few steps.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register a project with the NCA in Kenya:

Register with the NCA

Once you have obtained an approved drawing from the county, you can proceed to register your project with the NCA.

To do this, you will need to submit an application form online and provide relevant documents, such as the project drawings, bill of quantities, and a site plan.

Local developers/owners registering a project must ensure that their contractors and sub-contractors are registered by NCA and have a valid practicing license for the current financial year.

The contractor classification/grades set by NCA regulations allow contractors to register in one or more categories according to their experience and qualifications. Once all requirements are met, a Certificate of Registration is issued on registration as a contractor in Kenya.

Developers can register their projects through the NCA project registration portal or visit the nearest NCA regional or liaison office for assistance.

It should also be noted that project registration is currently free of charge.

NCA Project Registration Requirements

The following are the requirements:

The contractor and sub-contractor must be registered by NCA and must have a valid practicing license for the current financial year.
The project consultants (for example the engineer (s), architect, and quantity surveyor) must be duly registered with their respective professional regulatory bodies, such as the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS). They must have valid practicing licenses
Approved architectural and structural drawings.
Physical planning forms (county approval permits/ letters/PPA2)
Other statutory and regulatory approvals such as NEMA, EPRA, WRA and KCAA licenses where applicable.
Bill of quantities summary page duly signed and stamped by the quantity surveyor.
Copy of developer’s Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN.
Signed contract/tender form or signed agreement by developer with the contractor.
Supervision Commitment Letters by consultants and/or agreements/contract by developer with consultants.

How National Construction Authority (NCA) Project Registration Is Done Online Portal

To register a project with the National Construction Authority (NCA) in Kenya, developer can follow these steps:

Visit the NCA website at https://nca.go.ke/ and download the Project Registration Form.
Fill out the form with the relevant information about your project, including the type of project, location, estimated cost, and project duration.
Attach the necessary documents, including architectural and engineering drawings, environmental impact assessment reports, and other relevant certificates and approvals.
Pay the prescribed fees (if any) for project registration through the provided payment channels, such as M-PESA, bank deposits, or online payment systems. Note that project registration is currently (2023) free of charge.
Submit the completed registration form and supporting documents online or to the nearest NCA regional office.

After submitting your application, NCA officials will review your project and either approve or reject it based on their evaluation of its compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

If your project is approved, you will be issued with a NCA registration certificate, which you will need to present to other relevant authorities to obtain necessary permits and approvals for construction.

In short, after submitting your application, the NCA will review your documents and conduct an inspection of the project site.

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval, which will allow you to proceed with the construction project.

Display Your NCA Project Registration Number

Once your project is registered with the NCA, you will need to display your project registration number at the project site.

This certificate number serves as proof that the project is registered with the NCA and that the contractor is authorized to undertake the construction work.

It is important to ensure that your project is registered with the NCA before starting construction work, as failure to do so can result in fines and other legal consequences.

Timeframe for Completion of the Process

The timeframe for the completion of the planning approval process in Nairobi County varies depending on the complexity of the proposed development.

However, the county has set a target of 30 days for the completion of the process, from the date of submission of the application.

Challenges in the Planning Approval Process

Delays and inefficiencies

One of the challenges of the planning approval process in Nairobi County is delays and inefficiencies. The process can be slow and bureaucratic, leading to frustration and increased costs for developers and property owners.

High cost of compliance

The cost of compliance with the planning approval process in Nairobi County can be high, particularly for small-scale developers and property owners. The fees and charges associated with the process can be prohibitive, making it difficult for some developers to proceed with their proposed developments.

Complexity of the process

The planning approval process in Nairobi County can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for first-time developers and property owners. The process involves various stakeholders, and there are numerous documents and requirements that must be met, which can be overwhelming.

Corruption and bribery

Corruption and bribery can also be a challenge in the planning approval process in Nairobi County. Some developers may attempt to circumvent the process by offering bribes or engaging in other unethical practices, which can compromise the integrity of the process and lead to substandard development.

The county has taken steps to address this issue by implementing measures to curb corruption and ensure transparency in the process.

Generally, planning approval process in Nairobi County can be marred by delays and inefficiencies, high costs of compliance, complexity of the process, and corruption and bribery. These challenges can discourage some developers from proceeding with their proposed developments and also compromise the quality and safety of the project

FAQs About The Building Plan Approval Process In Nairobi County:

What is the building plan approval process?

The building plan approval process is a system that regulates the construction of buildings to ensure that they comply with building codes and regulations.

It is a multistage process that involves submitting building plans to the county government, reviewing the plans, inspecting the construction site, and approving the building plans.

Why is the building plan approval process important?

The building plan approval process is crucial for ensuring that all construction projects within the county comply with building and safety codes. This process helps to ensure that buildings are structurally sound, safe, and habitable for occupants.

Who is responsible for the building plan approval process in Nairobi County?

The building plan approval process is managed by the Nairobi County government, specifically the Department of Physical Planning and Housing.

What are the requirements for building plan submission?

Building plans must be prepared by a registered architect, engineer, or a related professional, and should include details such as the type of building, number of floors, the materials to be used, and the dimensions of the structure.

What are the fees associated with the building plan approval process?

The fees associated with the building plan approval process include plan approval fees, inspection fees, and permit fees. The fees are determined by the size and complexity of the building project.

How long does the building plan approval process take?

The building plan approval process in Nairobi County can take 4-6 weeks or even more, depending on the complexity of the project, the number of review cycles, and other factors such as the availability of county officials.

What are some common challenges faced during the building plan approval process?

Common challenges include delays in the approval process, lack of transparency, and inconsistent application of regulations. It is essential to engage a professional to help navigate the approval process and ensure compliance with the regulations.

Can construction begin before the building plan is approved?

No, construction cannot begin until the building plan is approved, and a building permit is issued. Construction without proper approval and permits may result in penalties or demolition of the structure.

What are the steps involved in the planning approval process in Nairobi County?

A: The steps involved in the planning approval process in Nairobi County include the submission of an application, site inspection, public participation, technical review, decision-making, and approval or rejection.

How long does the planning approval process take in Nairobi County?

A: The timeframe for the completion of the planning approval process in Nairobi County varies depending on the complexity of the proposed development. However, the county has set a target of 90 days for the completion of the process, from the date of submission of the application.

Q: What happens if a proposed development is rejected during the planning approval process in Nairobi County?

A: If a proposed development is rejected during the planning approval process in Nairobi County, the developer cannot proceed with the development. The developer may be required to provide additional information or make changes to the proposed development before resubmitting the application for further consideration.

In conclusion, the planning approval process is an essential component of land use and development in Nairobi County. The process helps to ensure that development is safe, sustainable, and in line with the county’s vision and objectives, and that it benefits all members of the community.

The planning approval process also provides a platform for public participation, which ensures that the views and opinions of the public are taken into account when making decisions on proposed developments.

Developers and property owners must follow the planning approval process to avoid fines or other penalties that may arise due to non-compliance. The process ensures that there is uniformity and conformity in all developments in the county, and it helps in the achievement of the county’s development goals and objectives.

It is also worth noting that the planning approval process is continuously evolving to keep up with changing trends and emerging issues.

As such, it is vital for developers and property owners to keep themselves up-to-date with the latest developments and requirements to avoid any issues in the planning approval process.

Nairobi County Building Plans Approval Process & Fees