Nairobi: The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has petitioned the Nairobi County Assembly to reform its development approval systems to address inefficiencies and delays in the built environment sector. IEK President Eng. Shammah Kitemi led a delegation of engineers to present their concerns to the Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee.
According to Kenya News Agency, Eng. Kitemi emphasized that many submissions for development approvals remain pending for extended periods, causing uncertainty for engineers, developers, and investors. He highlighted the lack of progress tracking for applications, which leaves stakeholders in the dark about the status of their submissions.
Eng. Kitemi noted that these inefficiencies delay project implementation, increase costs, and discourage private sector investment, ultimately impacting job creation and economic growth in Nairobi. He assured that IEK is committed to collaborating with the county to identify and address these issues.
The IEK President proposed forming a joint technical task force with the Nairobi County Government to improve the development control framework. This initiative aims to introduce digital tracking systems and ensure timely feedback for applicants.
Experts have warned that continued inefficiencies could hinder Nairobi's growth potential, as engineers play a pivotal role in construction and infrastructure development. Delays in approvals can affect the entire development chain, impacting housing, road infrastructure, and employment.
Eng. Kitemi urged both parties to adopt technology-based systems to enhance efficiency in development approvals. He recommended implementing digital dashboards and timelines to monitor submission status, emphasizing the need to maintain Nairobi's competitiveness as an investment hub.
If the Planning Committee's promises are realized, Eng. Kitemi believes this could mark a turning point for Nairobi's development. Hon. Alvin Palapala, Chair of the Planning Committee, assured engineers that their concerns would be addressed urgently and promised further consultations to resolve the issues.
Hon. Palapala committed to compiling a comprehensive report for the county executive and encouraged continued collaboration between IEK and the county government to ensure that the problems are resolved promptly.