Kilimani Residents Oppose High-Rise Project, Demand Plan Review Over Infrastructure and Privacy Concerns

By Our Reporter.

Residents of Kilimani have raised objections to a proposed high-rise apartment development, calling for a review of the project’s design before implementation.

The concerns were aired during a public participation exercise on Saturday as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Homeowners and tenants cited fears of increased pressure on infrastructure, loss of privacy, and potential environmental degradation if the development proceeds under its current plan. They also questioned the legitimacy of the consultation process, arguing that the meetings failed to meet quorum.

The proposed development, located on Plot L.R No. Nairobi/Block 15/717 along Gitanga Close off Gitanga Road, is designed to include three basement parking levels, a ground floor, 14 typical residential floors, and two upper floors. The basements will provide 94 parking spaces, while the ground floor will host shared amenities including a lounge, cafeteria, resting areas, and a movie room.

According to the plan, floors one to 14 will each accommodate 17 units—comprising two-bedroom apartments, one-bedroom units, and studio apartments. The 15th floor will have eight units, while the 16th floor rooftop will feature recreational facilities including a swimming pool, changing rooms, and a children’s play area. In total, the project will deliver 246 residential units.

Residents, however, argued that the scale and density of the development are incompatible with the character of the neighborhood. They called for a reduction in the number of units and floors, and specifically opposed the inclusion of studio apartments, which they claimed could alter the area’s residential nature.

Project consultant Shadrack Mbuta of iPlan Consult (Intl) Ltd defended the process, stating that an application for change of use—from a single residential unit to high-rise apartments—was submitted in July 2025 and approved by the Nairobi County Government’s Department of Urban Planning.

Addressing concerns about public participation, Mbuta dismissed claims regarding quorum requirements, noting that such thresholds do not apply to public forums of this nature.

“There would never be a quorum or no quorum in such meetings. Those who attend are expected to represent broader community views,” he said.

Mbuta added that the current consultations are not the final opportunity for public input, noting that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will provide further avenues for feedback once the EIA report is submitted.

Residents remained unconvinced, warning of severe strain on existing infrastructure, including water, electricity, and road networks. They highlighted Gitanga Close as a narrow, dead-end road that could become congested with increased traffic.

Unit owner Emilly Omuga said the proposed density would significantly alter the area’s low-density character.

“The project is set to introduce a high population in a space that currently holds a single unit on half an acre. This will overstretch infrastructure and affect our way of life,” she said.

Omuga also raised safety concerns, questioning the feasibility of emergency response and evacuation in the event of incidents such as fires.

Residents warned that they would seek legal redress if the project proceeds without amendments.

“We will oppose the project in court if it is approved in its current form. However, we are open to supporting it if changes are made to meet acceptable standards,” Omuga said.

They proposed alternative designs, including reducing unit numbers and replacing studio apartments with larger family-oriented units such as duplexes. While not opposed to the building’s height, they emphasized the need to address issues such as shadow impact, accessibility, and adequate parking for visitors.

Another resident, Sarah Okungu, urged regulatory authorities, including NEMA, to ensure that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reflects the character and needs of the neighborhood.

“We are particularly opposed to studio apartments, which often convert to short-term rentals and do not align with the family-oriented nature of this area,” she said.

Okungu expressed confidence in regulatory institutions to fairly arbitrate the matter, noting that residents are relying on due process to safeguard their interests.