The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has issued a scathing statement addressing the ongoing standoff between the County Government of Kiambu and Tatu City, highlighting significant concerns about development control and land use planning in the country.
Accusations of Extortion and Illegal Land Demands
At the heart of the dispute, Tatu City management has accused Kiambu County Government of extortion. The county allegedly demanded the surrender of land for public purposes, including an additional 2.0 acres for the Governor’s residence, a requirement not found in the draft Land Use Plan. AAK clarified that Tatu City, designated as a Special Economic Zone and a Special Planning Area, should have its approval processes overseen by the Director of Physical Planning at the Ministry of Lands, not the county government. The association stated that the 10% land surrender demanded by the county has no legal basis and termed it illegal.
Approval Process Delays and Inefficiencies
AAK also criticized Kiambu County for intentional delays in approval processes, attributed to the abrupt discontinuation of the Electronic Development Management Systems (e-DAMS) and a reversion to manual processes. According to a 2023 AAK study, Kiambu County was ranked as the most challenging in processing permits. The study revealed that 39% of respondents experienced prolonged application processing times, with 33% waiting over 32 weeks for approvals. Despite ongoing engagements with the county to reinstate the digital system, significant progress has not been made.
Calls for Nationwide Reforms
The association emphasized the need for a nationwide digital permitting system to streamline development control functions across all 47 counties. AAK has developed a concept note for this system and is seeking an audience with the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MoICT) and the Council of Governors (CoG) to spearhead its implementation.
In addition, AAK called for a comprehensive audit of physical and land use planning in Kenya to inform future plans and address emerging needs. The association highlighted the importance of legislative reforms to eliminate undue political and commercial influences that hinder efficient planning functions.
Professional Conduct and Industry Integrity
AAK stressed the importance of maintaining professional conduct within the industry. The association warned its members against misconduct and urged stakeholders to verify the credentials of professionals through regulatory boards such as the Physical Planners Registration Board (PPRB), the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
The statement concluded with a call for a broad coalition of built environment players, including professional associations, resident associations, non-state actors, the media, and all arms of government, to address and rectify the issues afflicting the sector.
Arch. Florence Nyole, President of AAK, urged collective action, stating, “We must redeem the built environment from the many ills that afflict us and work towards the shared future we all desire.”
