By Fred Azelwa
A section of property developers has called on Governor Johnson Sakaja to intervene in the operations of the county’s Department of Planning, alleging that the department has experienced declining efficiency under the leadership of County Executive Committee (CEC) Member Patrick Mbogo.
The developers claim that prolonged delays in processing planning approvals, inconsistencies in administrative procedures and slow decision-making have disrupted construction projects and affected investor confidence. According to some of the stakeholders, the challenges have increased the cost of doing business, with several projects reportedly stalled as developers wait for approvals and other planning-related documentation.
The developers argue that an efficient planning department is critical to Nairobi’s growth, noting that delays in approving developments not only affect investors but also have a broader impact on employment opportunities, housing delivery and the county’s economic performance. They say the current situation has created uncertainty for investors seeking to undertake new developments within the city.
In light of these concerns, some developers have urged Governor Sakaja to review the management of the department and consider recalling former Chief Officer Justus Kathenge. They cite Kathenge’s over 18 years of experience at City Hall, saying his institutional knowledge and familiarity with planning processes helped improve efficiency and service delivery during his tenure.
The stakeholders maintain that restoring confidence in the planning department should be a priority, arguing that predictable and timely approval processes are essential for attracting investment and supporting Nairobi’s continued urban development. They have called for reforms that would enhance transparency, accountability and faster processing of planning applications.
The allegations reflect the views expressed by the developers and have not been independently verified. Patrick Mbogo and the Nairobi County Government had not publicly responded to the concerns at the time of publication. Their response would be important in providing a balanced perspective on the issues raised.
The developers say they remain hopeful that the county leadership will engage all stakeholders and implement measures aimed at improving service delivery, restoring confidence in the planning department and ensuring that development approvals are handled efficiently and fairly.