You want to build a house, not build stress. But in Kenya, if you don’t follow the approval steps, you’ll build both.
Let’s be honest, navigating construction approvals in Kenya can feel like trying to thread a needle during a blackout. It’s confusing, full of forms, and usually involves someone mysteriously asking for "just a small facilitation".
But worry not. At Urban Rift Ltd, we’ve cracked the code. Here’s your no-nonsense, jargon-free guide to getting your building approved in Kenya... the legal way.
Step 1: Get Your Architect Onboard (Before You Break Ground)
Your journey starts with hiring a licensed architect (preferably us, of course). They will:
- Design the architectural plans
- Consult with structural and civil engineers
- Ensure the building suits your plot, climate, and lifestyle (yes, even if you want a rooftop bar in Eldoret)
No drawing on serviettes. Get proper blueprints!
Step 2: Submit Plans for County Government Approval
Each county has its own planning department. Your architect submits the plans here for review.
They check:
- The plot coverage and zoning regulations
- Building heights and setbacks
- Structural integrity
Once happy, they stamp the plans and issue a Building Permit. This process can take 1-4 weeks. Or faster, if Mercury isn’t in retrograde.
Step 3: Get Your National Construction Authority (NCA) Registration
Before laying a single stone, you must register the project with the NCA.
What they need:
- Approved architectural & structural plans
- Contractor details (NCA-registered only!)
- Bill of quantities (BoQ)
- Project timelines
NCA will issue a Project Registration Certificate and allocate an NCA site signboard.
Step 4: Get a NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (for larger projects)
If your project is a residential flat, commercial building, or near sensitive areas like rivers or forests, NEMA needs to evaluate the environmental impact.
Your licensed EIA expert will:
- Conduct site visits
- Interview stakeholders
- Write a report
Then you wait for approval, which can take 1-3 weeks depending on the scope. Some smaller residential homes don’t require this, but it's good to check first.
Step 5: Pay Levies and Fees (Because, Kenya)
Expect the following payments:
- County fees (planning, inspection, signage)
- NCA levy (usually 0.5% of the contract sum)
- NEMA fees (varies with project scale, usually 0.1% of the project cost, for instance 50,000/= for a 50 Million project)
For medium to large projects e.g. 200 Million+, the EIA fee is 0.1% and if an SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) is needed, add another 1,000,000.
For foreign (non-citizen) projects, the rates are higher and stated in the official schedule.
For the large projects, the annual NEMA fees after completion are as follows:
- Low-risk: KSh 10,000
- Medium-risk: KSh 50,000
- High-risk: KSh 100,000
Always ask for receipts. Always.
Step 6: Start Construction - Legally!
Once all approvals are in:
- Mobilize your contractor
- Follow safety rules
- Ensure inspections are done at foundation, slab, and roof stages
The authorities may drop in unexpectedly so don’t be caught with your hard hats down.
Pro Tips From Urban Rift Ltd:
- Work with registered professionals only
- Keep multiple copies of approvals on-site
- Never assume "verbal approval" is enough
- Keep neighbours informed (unless you want surprise objections)
- Don’t rush approvals — fines are costly, and demolitions are emotionally traumatic.
Final Word: Build Smart. Stay Legal
At Urban Rift Ltd, we handle your approvals from start to finish. We know which offices to visit, what paperwork to prepare, and how to avoid the infamous "missing file."
Let us deal with the paperwork - you focus on the vision.