Nairobi residents will not have to pay application and approval fees for minor building repairs as the county prepares for the anticipated El Niño rains.
Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the temporary waiver on Wednesday, September 23, saying residents can now carry out repairs such as installing gutters without going through the usual approval process.
The waiver will remain in place until the onset of the anticipated rains.
“As Nairobi prepares for the anticipated El Niño rains, I have waived the application and approval processes for minor building repairs until the onset of the rains,” Sakaja said.
He said the move would give residents more time to prepare their homes and compounds before the rains begin.
“This will allow Nairobians to put up gutters and undertake minor repairs to their homes and compounds without the usual approvals,” he added.
Ordinarily, a minor building repair or renovation permit in Nairobi costs between Ksh4,000 and Ksh10,000, depending on the nature of the work.
The waiver thus enables homeowners to make some of the repairs without paying the normal charges required to seek approval.
Flooding has occurred in Nairobi during heavy rainy seasons in residential areas, roads, commercial institutions, and other infrastructures in parts of the city.
The county government has undertaken drainage works in areas that are prone to flooding as part of efforts to prepare for the upcoming rains.
These include cleaning drainage systems, widening and deepening drainage systems, desilting of water systems and opening up of drainage corridors.
There has also been deployment of more machinery in areas that are prone to flooding.
At the same time, Sakaja has cautioned the residents from dumping any waste in drainage systems and other open spaces, noting that it can increase flooding in the city.
He added that those found dumping wastes illegally would be dealt with, and those private waste collectors who dump garbage in open spaces would lose their licenses permanently.
“Illegal dumping remains a major challenge. Those found dumping waste illegally will face tough action, while private waste collectors found dumping in open spaces risk permanent withdrawal of their licences,” the governor said.
