Across Nairobi, residents are grappling with the consequences of unchecked construction as powerful developers defy city bylaws and environmental regulations.
From Kilimani to South C to Parklands, families are living next to noisy, dust-filled sites, their health and safety at risk, while government agencies look the other way.
For the past two years, life has been hectic for residents of KMA Estate in South C, Kilimani, Parklands, Pangani, and other areas—especially for families with young children, the sick, and the elderly. This is due to massive construction activities that have been ongoing in their neighbourhoods.
Attempts by residents to stop these developments have been unsuccessful, as both the Nairobi County Government and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) have failed to intervene.
Along Kindaruma Road in Kilimani, homes and businesses have been disrupted by the construction of a business mall. While residents insist they are not against development, they demand to be consulted before such projects begin.
A building under construction along Kindaruma Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, on September 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
One affected resident, Dr Florence Musiime of Kamirembe Place, says the developer ignored health and safety concerns.
“One thing I see as not right is failing to follow strict regulations on distance from neighboring walls and protection for the public. I find that very unnerving because if a stone drops and hits people working here, what happens? We are building to enhance the environment, but we must also protect people,” Dr Musiime told the Nation .
She said her biggest concerns are the lack of protective measures, exposure to harmful dust, and damage to installations such as solar systems and roofs.
“It’s your right to build, but it’s not your right to build while damaging the property of others,” she said.
According to Urban Development and Planning Regulations, public participation is a mandatory requirement before any construction begins.
“I personally was never consulted. They never talked to me, never sent me a questionnaire, nothing. There was no public participation. No one I know was involved. Unless they cooked one, I have never participated,” she added.
Besides the lack of consultation, the developer allegedly encroached on her land. Although she won a court case against the encroachment, implementation has been an uphill task.
For now, Dr Musiime is only asking for protection for residents whose houses are filled with cement dust, exposing them to respiratory diseases and the danger of falling objects. Balconies have been abandoned as the developer continues working without installing protective nets.
During a visit to one Kilimani building, workers only began installing nets after noticing the presence of journalists. The building is reportedly linked to a government official, which residents say explains the impunity.
Attempts to reach the contractor were unsuccessful after the media was blocked from accessing the site.
“They just do it the way they want, without caring that it harms people. I’m especially concerned about health issues. There are babies here, and cement dust is harmful—especially to kids with weak breathing. At their age, we shouldn’t expose them,” Dr Musiime said.
Some of the upcoming new buildings under construction and an advertising post in Kileleshwa Estate in Nairobi on September 17, 2025.
Photo credit: Evans Habil| Nation Media Group
In South C, another resident, who sought anonymity due to threats, said they had been intimidated for trying to expose the situation.
“They came to my doorstep and threatened me if I continued exposing what was happening. We can’t open our windows because of the cement dust. My children are not sleeping peacefully,” the resident said.
The construction in question was closed last year after the county government admitted no approvals had been issued. The closure followed an incident where inspectorate officers sent to arrest workers on-site were instead attacked by hired goons.
Several South C residents said they have since given up, as both the county and Nema have failed to act.
“We have reached out to Nema several times, as you can see from our WhatsApp chats and calls with officials since last year, but no action has been taken. Nema is just across the road, yet look at what’s happening,” a local lamented.
Initially, construction was taking place day and night, robbing residents of sleep. Following protests, night works stopped, but daytime noise from heavy machines continues to disturb them.
“They built beacon to beacon. We cannot sleep in the rooms facing that wall. Cracks have even emerged in our bedrooms,” one resident said.
A building under construction along Kindaruma Road in Kilimani, Nairobi, on September 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
Nairobi County Chief Officer in charge of Urban Development and Planning, Patrick Analo, told the Nation that arrests have been made and cases are in court.
“We are addressing the matter. We have held meetings, and from the pending cases, demolitions may be the only solution if we win,” Mr Analo said.
Last month, the Nairobi County Assembly Committee on Lands, Planning and Housing asked Governor Johnson Sakaja to investigate complaints by several resident associations regarding illegal buildings.
Areas flagged include City Park Drive, Kilimani Likoni Road, Kilimani Mbaazi Avenue (behind Valley Arcade), Kilimani Ndemi Road, Riara Junction (opposite Junction Mall), South C Mugoya, Parklands Taza Lane, Parklands City Park Drive, Westlands Church Road, Parklands 5th Avenue, and South B Kapiti Road, among others.
