Nairobi County Assembly suspends planning policy over funding, legality, and corruption concerns

These concerns were raised during a session where the County Assembly Planning Committee ordered the immediate suspension of the Development Control Policy. MCAs also questioned the policy's legality and voiced worries about alleged cartels, corruption, and irregular development approvals. County Executive Committee Member for Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo stated that the department lacks sufficient resources, equipment, office space, and personnel, even struggling to provide stipends for enforcement officers and fuel for transportation.

Minority Leader Antony Kiragu accused the executive of implementing a planning framework not properly approved or gazetted by the Assembly, claiming the document on the county website differed from the one passed by the Planning Committee. Committee Chairperson Geoffrey Majiwa directed the policy's suspension until discrepancies are addressed, emphasizing that the interests of the people come first. The committee also raised concerns about alleged corruption, with Majiwa accusing some officers of colluding with rogue developers.

Acting County Director of Planning Tom Achar acknowledged interference from cartels and the impact of staff shortages on enforcement. The assembly committee is investigating developments in various Nairobi areas to ensure complianc