How to Get Building Plans Approved in Nairobi: Step-by-Step Guide

Building in Nairobi without an approved plan is illegal — and it is one of the most common reasons projects stall later. An approved plan protects your investment, clears your title for development and keeps contractors honest. Here is exactly how the process works, and the documents you will need before you submit.

Why building plan approval matters

• It is a legal requirement under the Kenyan Building Code and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act.
• Approved drawings prevent disputes over boundaries, set-backs and site coverage later.
• Banks, insurers and resale buyers check approval status as part of their due diligence.
• Unapproved structures face enforcement orders, fines or demolition.

The Nairobi approval process, step by step

• Step 1 — Engage professionals: your architect prepares full architectural, structural and services drawings that comply with regulations.
• Step 2 — Regional approval: the drawings go to the Nairobi City County planning department along with your application forms.
• Step 3 — Technical review: planners and engineers review zoning compliance, set-backs, coverage, fire safety and access.
• Step 4 — Payment of charges: approval, development and inspection fees are paid per the county fee schedule.
• Step 5 — Approval granted: you receive stamped, approved drawings and the permit conditions for construction.

Documents you will need

• Certificate of Title or allotment letter / sale agreement for the land.
• Identity card or passport of the owner and company registration for corporate owners.
• Current rates payment receipt for the property.
• Architectural, structural and M&E drawings done by qualified professionals.
• Approval application forms from the county.
• KRA PIN certificate for both individual and company.

How an architect makes this painless

Approval is a technical process, and rejections mostly stem from drawings that do not follow the county’s zoning rules. A registered architect designs to compliance from day one, submits the complete package, answers technical queries and revises drawings when feedback arrives. At Octa Architects we run the whole approvals process for you and keep you updated at every stage.