Nairobi: Concerns Mount Over Condemned Buruburu Building Allegedly Operating as Guest House
- The residents of Buruburu Phase 5, Nairobi, have raised concerns over an unauthorised building that allegedly violates construction laws and poses safety risks
- Investigations by NCA, Nairobi county, and NEMA confirmed the building lacked approvals, but enforcement actions have stalled
- The residents have demanded urgent action, citing worsened flooding, noise disturbances, and mysterious delays in legal proceedings against the developer
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi - Residents of Buruburu Phase 5 have raised alarm over a condemned building that they claim poses a serious risk to their lives.
Source: Facebook
They accused the building's owner of defying multiple authorities to illegally erect the structure, despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions.
According to a report by Citizen TV, investigations conducted by the National Construction Authority (NCA), the Nairobi County Government, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) confirmed that the building lacks the required approvals and is classified as unauthorised.
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The NCA first suspended construction in June 2023 citing violations, and Nairobi county later issued an enforcement notice in September 2023, reaffirming the building’s illegal status.
It has also emerged that although the NCA launched legal proceedings against the developer, the case mysteriously stalled before reaching court, with scheduled hearings seemingly dropped without explanation.
Why did Buruburu residents raise concerns about condemned building?
According to Alphaxid Kipchumba Nyorsok, an advocate representing the residents’ association, construction regulations in the area prohibit building beyond two floors.
However, the disputed structure exceeds the height limit and was constructed without any approvals.
"We are going to write letters to the relevant authorities, demanding to know why necessary action has not been taken and whether they are still capable of enforcing the law," said Nyorsok.
Source: Facebook
Resident Ndoria Muya added that the developer had claimed to have received permission from some members of the residents' committee — a claim he dismissed as baseless.
"This building is now being hired out as a guesthouse, with tenants changing daily and causing noise disturbances through the night," he claimed.
A police officer supporting the residents stated:
"Every citizen has the right to live peacefully. One cannot claim their rights while infringing on the rights of others."
In addition to flouting building regulations, the structure interferes with a key drainage channel, worsening flooding in the area during rainy seasons and further endangering residents
Residents are now demanding immediate action from authorities to ensure their safety.
How was the condemned Mombasa building demolished?
In other news, the condemned multi-storey building in Fayaz Estate, Kilifi Corner, which had raised safety concerns due to sinking, was demolished.
The controlled demolition was carried out by a multi-agency team, including professionals from the Ministry of Interior, Mombasa County Disaster Management, and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The nine-storey structure began sinking after a borehole was drilled into its foundation, weakening the ground pillars.
Explosives, likely malleable dynamites, were strategically placed at the base of the building, causing the floors to collapse with a loud bang.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
