Ruto Makes U-Turn On Removing Limit On Eastleigh Buildings

Ruto spoke regarding the matter on Saturday, June 8 while attending the celebrations of the Kenya Air Force’s (KAF) 60th anniversary at Moi Air Base.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jun 8, 2024 - 14:14 Updated: Jun 8, 2024 - 23:55
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Ruto Makes U-Turn On Removing Limit On Eastleigh Buildings
President William Ruto laying foundation as he launched construction of Kanduyi Affordable Housing Project in Muskoma, Bungoma County on February 1, 2024. /PCS

President William Ruto has changed his mind on his controversial announcement that the government will lift the 12-floor limit on storey buildings in Eastleigh, Nairobi, allowing developers to construct up to 30 storeys.

Ruto spoke regarding the matter on Saturday, June 8 while attending the celebrations of the Kenya Air Force’s (KAF) 60th anniversary at Moi Air Base.

He revealed that he would engage the leadership of the County Government of Nairobi to address the dangers he highlighted, posed by unauthorized building heights near the air base, stressing the need for compliance with established standards.

This would ensure that Moi Airbase does not lose its position as a highly protected area whereby military aircraft can operate with ease.

President William Ruto being welcomed to Moi Air Base, Nairobi on June 8, 2024. /PCS

“Let me also commit in discussions with the county of Nairobi, we will make sure that this facility does not lose its premier position," he revealed.

He added, “All buildings that have been built beyond the height that is provided for in law, we will work with Nairobi City Council to make sure that all developers adhere to the standards agreed upon with the Kenya Air Force and Kenya Defence Forces.”

Speaking on Monday, May 6 during his tour of Mathare in Nairobi County, the Head of State revealed that removing the cap on buildings in Eastleigh was part of his goal to ensure residents live in decent accommodation.

This will ensure that slum dwellers will be granted a good standard of living from the tough times of living in slum areas, some of which have been on riparian lands, thus bringing about a sense of harmony.

"Because I am the Commander in Chief, I have said that in Eastleigh, you couldn't build a house beyond 12 floors but now we can build storey buildings of up to either 25 or 30 floors so that citizens can get accommodation and live in a harmonious neighbourhood," he stated.

Ruto's directive had added support to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's announcement that his administration removed the floor limit for landlords constructing high-rise residential apartments in the capital city following the green light given by the Kenya Kwanza government.

"Before there was a restriction on the heights of apartments especially close to the airport from the Eastleigh airbase coming down this way. I asked the president, while we were opening the houses at Kiambio and Bahati, that the reason there was an airbase built was to evacuate the president in case of an emergency," Sakaja said during a church service in Makadara on Sunday, March 24.

"I told the President that if he tries that he will be stuck in traffic. You cannot be evacuated through Eastleigh anymore. I am happy the height restriction has been removed we are going to go up to 25 floors in these houses we are building."

After his revelation that tall buildings would be constructed in areas such as Eastleigh, Kileleshwa and Lavington, Sakaja added that the constructions might go higher in other areas around the city.

Bird's eye view of buildings in Eastleigh in Nairobi. /EASTLEIGH VOICE

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