World Bank Questions Rules Limiting Developers in Nairobi

If implemented, the recommendation could influence how developers build apartments, although the bank does not propose removing building rules that already exist.

The World Bank has proposed changes to building regulations to let developers build taller residential buildings in Kenya and other Sub-Saharan African countries.

In its Sub-Saharan Africa’s Urban Awakening Report published on October 29, the lender urged governments to remove restrictions on building heights and floor-area ratios to boost housing supply in major cities.

According to the World Bank, overly restrictive construction rules make cities such as Nairobi expand outwards instead of making better use of available land.

The World Bank said relaxing the restrictions, particularly in areas earmarked for development, could increase housing supply and let more Kenyans live closer to their workplaces.

Source: Kenyans.co.ke