The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has petitioned the Nairobi County Assembly to reform its systems and improve efficiency in order to minimise the persistent delays and lack of efficiency in the development approval process in the built environment sector.
IEK President Eng. Shammah Kitemi on Thursday led a delegation of engineers to present concerns voiced by members of the engineering fraternity over the county’s slow and often unpredictable approval process to the Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee.
“We are honoured to have had the opportunity to appear before the Planning Committee. What we have brought to the table are real concerns affecting our members on a daily basis, especially when it comes to submitting development proposals for approval,” said Eng. Kitemi, addressing the media after a session with the members of the Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee.
According to the IEK President, many submissions to the county government for development approvals are left pending for weeks or even months without feedback, leaving engineers, developers, and investors in a state of uncertainty.
“The approvals take a very long time; there is no way to track the progress of an application. Our members are often left in the dark, not knowing whether their submissions are being reviewed, rejected, or stuck somewhere in the system,” lamented Eng. Kitemi.
He pointed out that such inefficiencies not only delay project implementation but also inflate costs and frustrate private sector investment, ultimately affecting job creation and economic growth in the capital.
While acknowledging challenges, Eng. Kitemi emphasised IEK’s willingness to work hand in hand with Nairobi County to fix the system, adding that the engineers are not just coming to complain but to offer practical, professional support in identifying bottlenecks and crafting lasting solutions.
“We believe this process can be improved. Other counties have demonstrated that it is possible to run efficient and predictable approval systems. Nairobi can and should lead by example,” he urged.
Eng. Kitemi proposed the formation of a joint technical task force between IEK and the Nairobi County Government to streamline the development control framework, introduce digital tracking systems, and ensure feedback mechanisms for applicants.
According to the IEK President, experts have warned that continued inefficiencies in the approval process could stifle Nairobi’s growth potential since Engineers are often the first point of contact in construction and infrastructure development, and their ability to deliver timely services directly impacts timelines and investor confidence.
“Nairobi is the heartbeat of Kenya’s urban development. If professionals are delayed or discouraged at the first stage of planning, then the entire chain from construction to occupancy suffers. This has a ripple effect on the housing sector, road infrastructure, and even employment,” he added.
Further, the IEK president urged both parties to collaborate and build on the momentum and deliver concrete outcomes, calling for the adoption of technology-based systems to bring efficiency to development approvals and recommending digital dashboards and timelines to track the status of submissions.
“This is not about engineers alone. This is about ensuring Nairobi remains a competitive, attractive city for both local and foreign investment. And for that, we must get the basics right, starting with how we approve and manage development,” he rallied.
If the promises made by the Planning Committee are followed through, Eng. Kitemi assured that this could be a turning point for development in Nairobi and a win not just for engineers but for the entire city.
Making his remarks, the Planning Committee, chaired by Kitusuru Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Alvin Palapala, issued an assurance to the engineers’ concerns that the committee would take up the matter with urgency.
“We have heard you loud and clear. This committee takes your concerns seriously, and we are going to follow up with the executive arm of the county government to understand where the bottlenecks lie,” pledged Hon. Palapala.
He announced that after conducting further consultations, the committee would compile a comprehensive report and submit it to the executive for action.
“You have my word as the chair of this committee that your voices will not go unheard. We want you to stop complaining because the problems will have been resolved,” he vowed, urging IEK to continue working collaboratively with the county government.
By Michael Omondi
