Thome V Estate Residents Protest Approval of High-Rise Buildings

Residents of Thome V Estate on Monday protested the approval of a proposed high-rise development in the low-density neighbourhood, raising concerns over zoning violations, lack of public participation, and alleged irregularities in the approval process.

Residents Protest Proposed High-Rise in Low-Density Estate

Speaking during the gathering, Eng. Daniel Kibira, the chairperson of Thome V Estate Residents, said the estate is zoned strictly for single dwelling units on half-acre plots. He warned that the proposed high-rise development is incompatible with the approved planning framework.

“Thome V is a low-density residential estate. Allowing a high-rise building here will permanently alter the character of the neighbourhood and weaken planning controls not just in this estate, but across similar areas,” Kibira said.

Zoning Restrictions and Fears of Dangerous Precedent

Residents said permitting such a development would undermine zoning regulations and set a dangerous precedent that could open the door to uncontrolled densification in planned residential areas.

Claims of Flawed Change-of-User Approval Process

The residents also raised alarm over what they described as a failure by the County Government to follow mandatory procedures for change-of-user approvals. According to them, no site notice or signboard was erected to notify the public of the proposed change of user, as required by law.

Residents Say They Were Not Notified Early Enough

Youth resident Maurice Magembe said they only learned of the proposed development after a public participation meeting convened by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) had already been scheduled.

“This denied us the opportunity for early and meaningful engagement. Public participation should start at the planning stage, not after key decisions have already been made,” Magembe said.

Public Participation Limited to NEMA Process

Residents said the only public participation conducted was in relation to the NEMA environmental approval. During that meeting, residents attended, raised formal objections, and declined to give consent for the project to proceed.

Minutes and Planning Documents Allegedly Withheld

According to homeowner Prudenzio Gaitara, residents requested additional documents and asked that any approvals be postponed until all planning and environmental reports were shared and reviewed. However, they claim that minutes from the meeting were never shared with the Thome V Residents Welfare Association for verification or signing, despite assurances from the NEMA consultant.

“This sequence of events suggests that approvals were issued despite clear objections from residents and without comprehensive consultation,” Gaitara said, adding that this undermined residents’ constitutional right to meaningful public participation.

Infrastructure Strain Raises Safety and Health Concerns

Homeowner Ann Kamau expressed concern that the development was approved without proper assessment of the estate’s already strained infrastructure.

“We currently receive water only twice a week, the sewer system is under pressure, and power outages are frequent,” Kamau said. “A high-rise development will only worsen these problems and negatively affect the safety and quality of life for everyone living here.”

Residents warned that increased population density without corresponding infrastructure upgrades could lead to serious environmental and public health risks.

Transparency Questions and Alleged Misrepresentation

Further concerns were raised over what residents termed a lack of transparency in the approval process. They pointed to unclear or incomplete site signage that does not adequately disclose the identity of the developer, architect, or the full scope of the proposed development, contrary to planning regulations.

Residents also alleged instances of misrepresentation, claiming that individuals who are not residents of Thome V Estate were presented as neighbouring stakeholders during parts of the approval process.

Residents Call for Review of Approvals

The residents are now calling on the County Government Department of Urban Development and Planning, NEMA, and the National Construction Authority (NCA) to urgently review the approvals granted and ensure that due process is followed.

“We are not opposed to development,” Kamau said. “We support growth that follows the law, respects planning regulations, and involves residents in decision-making.”

The residents reiterated their demand for transparency, accountability, and adherence to zoning and environmental laws.