Engineers decry corruption in Nairobi County development approvals
Engineers decry corruption in Nairobi County development approvals
Engineers in Kenya have raised concerns over frustrations in the approval of development plans in Nairobi County.
In a statement dated Saturday, April 26, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) cited corruption, inefficiency, unethical practices, and poor service delivery as major obstacles to a transparent approval process.
“There is a mounting body of evidence of corrupt practices entrenched within the county’s approval system. Professionals have reported instances where development plans are delayed or rejected arbitrarily unless informal payments or favours are rendered,” IEK President Shammah Kiteme said.
The engineers’ body also reported persistent delays in approvals despite multiple follow-ups with county offices.
“This has seen approvals take as long as a year. At this point, our clients think Engineers are incompetent, and the credibility dent is a career threat to our members. The corrupt system is designed to manufacture desperation, inducing the need to bribe to get the approvals and save face,” they said.
IEK also criticised the failure to effectively use the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS), a digital system intended to streamline the approval process.
MCA Joel Munuve’s death could have been avoided – Nairobi County Assembly
Karua warned against interfering in Tanzania’s internal affairs
EU urges Kenya to tackle corruption and unstable policies to boost trade
Martha Karua goes after Tanzania’s ruling party over Tundu Lissu treason charges
Raila defends Orengo and Anyang’ Nyong’o after criticism of Ruto government
“These weaknesses not only inconvenience our members but are also deliberately engineered to defeat the very intention of the digitalisation.”
The body has now called for a thorough audit of the approval process and demanded accountability for officials involved in the delays.
It also urged the establishment and enforcement of strict service-level timelines.
“Engineers must be afforded a safe and transparent development approval process, free from coercion or corruption. The integrity of Kenya’s built environment depends on this very tenet. Public safety is cardinal,” said Kiteme.
The engineers’ concerns follow warnings by environmental professionals over a growing crisis of illegal and irregular high-rise developments in Nairobi, which they say threaten public safety, planning standards, and environmental sustainability.
Judiciary cautions public against an event seeking Sh 65,000 for every person attending
Drama at funeral as mourners attack pastor for standing on grave, cursing family members
KDF female soldier dies by suicide in Kahawa Sukari
President Ruto lands in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral
Moses Kuria proposes disbanding KeRRA and KURA
List of items to be placed in Pope Francis’ coffin
Follow us
