Whenever a building collapses in Nairobi, one of the questions Kenyans ask is who was responsible for its construction and for ensuring that it is safe.
In Kenya, developers cannot simply put up buildings wherever they want.
They must obtain the required approvals from the county government and register their construction projects with the National Construction Authority (NCA).
In this article, WoK has identified six officials whose offices play important roles in approving all buildings constructed within Nairobi County.
- Patrick Mbogo, CECM for Built Environment and Urban Planning
Patrick Mbogo is the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) responsible for Built Environment and Urban Planning in Nairobi.
He leads the Nairobi County department which is responsible for regulating how land is used and how buildings are developed.
Under Section 57 of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, Mbogo’s office plays a key role in deciding whether proposed developments in Nairobi County can proceed.
In June 2026, the county government directed that urgent building approval applications be handled by Mbogo while Nairobi’s Urban Planning Technical Committee was being reorganised.
- Dominic Mutegi, Acting Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning
Dominic Mutegi is the Acting Chief Officer responsible for Urban Development and Planning in Nairobi County.
Mutegi was appointed on June 5, 2026, following the suspension of former Chief Officer Patrick Analo.
Mutegi’s department handles the administrative and technical processes involved in reviewing building applications.
He is responsible for coordinating planning officers, accepting and reviewing applications for new buildings that want to be constructed, and managing development control activities.
- Tom Achar, Acting County Director of Planning
A February 2026 report by the Commission on Administrative Justice identifiedTom Achar as the Director of Planning, Compliance and Enforcement in Nairobi County.
His department is responsible for handling and dealing with buildings that have not met planning regulations.
For example, if a developer begins constructing a building without permission or adds unauthorised floors, Achar’s enforcement department can investigate and take action against them.
During a Nairobi County Assembly committee meeting in September 2026, Achar stated that shortages of staff and equipment were affecting the ability of his office to perform its duties effectively.
- Fredrick Ondari Ochanda, Development Control Official
Fredrick Ondari Ochanda is the Assistant Director of Development Control in Nairobi County.
His office is involved in examining proposed building projects to check whether they meet all requirements before approval.
For example, they examine whether the building meets the required height, has the right sanitation plan, proper use of land, and whether all the right technical reviews have been completed.
His office is also involved in the preparation of applications for consideration through the county’s planning approval process.
- Susan Chepkorir Rutto, Acting Executive Director of NCA
Susan Chepkorir Rutto is the Acting Executive Director and Registrar of Contractors at the National Construction Authority.
She was appointed to the position effective September 4, 2026.
Her responsibilities are national, meaning the NCA regulates construction projects on a national level.
Her office is responsible for regulating Kenya’s construction industry and registering construction projects and contractors.
They also inspect whether buildings under construction comply with set rules, and if not, take action against construction projects that violate requirements.
- Stephen Mwilu, NCA Manager for Compliance
Architect Stephen Mwilu is the National Construction Authority’s Manager for Compliance.
His responsibilities include coordinating regional offices and activities related to project registration, quality assurance, and enforcement of construction regulations.
This makes his department important in checking whether construction projects follow all the necessary rules.
NCA compliance activities include inspecting projects and following up on cases where construction regulations may have been violated.
Mwilu’s office also handles matters relating to enforcement of the National Building Code and the construction industry’s Code of Conduct.