HOW ROGUE DEVELOPERS ARE ENDANGERING NAIROBIANS

The recent wave of building collapses in South C, and other areas aren’t a series of accidents; they are a predictable consequence of a culture of defiance currently paralysing Nairobi’s construction sector. 

Concerned stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention into notorious sites specifically Plot L.R. NO. 1/865 on Marcus Garvey Road where developers continue to build in total defiance of multiple government stop-orders.

The construction industry is currently plagued by a dangerous trend where professional consultants, architects and engineers are hired solely to stamp drawings for county approval. Once the permit is secured, these professionals are kicked off-site to save costs, leaving the project entirely unsupervised.

This lack of professional oversight, fuelled by developers who claim strong contacts and political protection, has led to disregard for structural integrity and zoning laws.

Families in South C and other areas have already paid the ultimate price, losing loved ones and lifetimes of savings to rubble caused by greed. Despite the recent tragedies, certain developers remain emboldened. A glaring example is the ongoing construction on Marcus Garvey Road by Ibrahim Adde Group Holdings Limited. Investigations have revealed a shocking trail of legal defiance:

On May 21, 2025, Nairobi City County (NCC) formally disapproved the project’s plans Ref: UP/PCED/VOL. 1/02/L/021/RMM for failing to meet safety, parking, and privacy clearances.

A follow-up notice on November 3, 2025, noted the developer’s total disregard for the law. On December 19, 2025, the National Construction Authority (NCA) issued a Suspension of Works Order S/No: 165430 citing lack of safety equipment and revoked approvals.

By January 20, 2026, inspectors found the site still active. The NCA has officially labeled this a notorious site and recommended enforcement action but seems unable to reign in on this developer. “When a developer ignores four separate government directives in a single year, they aren’t just building a house; they are building a tomb.”

The ongoing works on Plot L.R. NO. 1/865 are illegal and pose a significant risk to workers and future occupants. Under Section 23(3a) of the NCA Act, defying a suspension order is a criminal offence.

Prospective buyers and tenants are advised to steer clear of the project until full, verified compliance is achieved.