Directive by President Uhuru Unwise

Following the recent collapse of several buildings in Nairobi, the president has issued a directive to have all buildings audited, especially in Eastleigh. 

However, the directive has come under serious criticism with majority of real estate investors in Eastlands arguing that the decree is likely to be abused. Many have interpreted this move as an attempt by the county and national governments to frustrate low-income investors, most of whom obtain loans to develop property.

While the problem of substandard buildings may have been inherited from the previous regimes, many argue that the county government of Nairobi has not done enough to provide solutions. Since it is the duty of the county government to check and approve building plans, the question that many people are asking is: Who approves the so called substandard buildings in the city?

Dr. Evans Kidero, the governor of Nairobi, together with his government appears to be completely asleep. It’s no wonder they are resorting to knee jack reactions, which are aimed at innocent property developers. Clearly, the county government is to blame as they are the ones who approve building plans without doing the necessary feasibility study. They also don’t follow up to check if the developer sticks to the plan.

It is not right to go for the small fish while the big fish is left free to continue endangering the lives of innocent Kenyans. Mr. President, before we apply a blanket rule that might cause more harm than good, let’s start with county government officials who are in charge of approving and inspecting building plans in Nairobi. We also need policies that will help us fight corruption at city hall as that has been our main undoing.