Nairobi is on the verge of a major urban transformation as the county government moves to modernize its zoning policy, paving the way for high-rise developments in key commercial areas.

The new policy, currently under public review, aims to accommodate the city’s fast-growing population while fostering economic growth and sustainable urban planning. 

If approved, buildings in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), Upper Hill, and major commercial zones could soar up to 75 stories, placing the city among global metropolises with iconic skylines.

Urban Planning Chief Officer Patrick Analo emphasized that the policy is not just about height but about structured growth. “If approved, the policy & other LPDS will permit high-rise developments in key commercial areas such as Upper Hill, Uhuru Highway, Tom Mboya Street, Haile Selassie Avenue, and University Way,” he said during a public participation forum.

The policy will introduce clear height restrictions across different neighborhoods, ensuring a balance between commercial expansion and residential comfort. While commercial hubs like Upper Hill and Tom Mboya Street will see towering skyscrapers, residential areas such as Kileleshwa and Kilimani will maintain controlled growth with a 15-story limit. 
High-end suburbs like Karen, Runda, and Muthaiga will retain their low-density status, preserving their unique character.

Governor Sakaja Johnson highlighted the importance of this long-overdue policy revision, noting that Nairobi’s zoning regulations had not been updated in nearly 20 years. 

“The three-day public participation forum is gathering input from Architects, Physical Planners, residents, developers, contractors, and stakeholders. Currently, Nairobi accommodates over seven million people during the day, and this number is expected to reach 10 million in the coming years. We must consider how to accommodate this growth,” he stated.

The county government is currently gathering feedback from architects, developers, planners, and residents to ensure the policy reflects the needs of all stakeholders. 

If adopted, the new zoning framework will redefine Nairobi’s landscape, making it a modern, well-planned city ready to accommodate its growing population while maintaining its unique charm.