Development Applications & Permissions Process

Kiambu County, Kenya

Guiding Principles: Efficiency | Compliance | Safety | Order | Conformity in the Built Industry

Overview

Kiambu County is committed to a streamlined, transparent development approval process that ensures all construction projects meet safety standards, zoning regulations, and environmental requirements. Below is the step-by-step guide to obtaining development permissions in Kiambu County.

1. Pre-Application Consultation

Purpose: Understand requirements before submitting your application.

Action:

  • Consult the County Planner to discuss:

    • Zoning regulations for your property

    • Specific requirements for your project type

    • Tentative fees and charges

    • Any site-specific considerations

Benefit: Early consultation helps avoid delays, rejections, and costly revisions later in the process.

2. Prepare Development Applications

Purpose: Gather all required documentation before submission.

Required Documents:

Document Details
Title / Lease Proof of ownership or leasehold interest
Search Official land search confirming ownership and any encumbrances
Survey Map / RIM Registered Index Map showing exact plot boundaries
Rate Clearance Certificate from the county confirming land rates are fully paid

Additional Documents (as applicable):

  • Architectural drawings (prepared by registered architect)

  • Structural drawings (prepared by registered engineer)

  • Bill of Quantities (BOQ) prepared by registered quantity surveyor

3. Submission of Development Applications

Purpose: Formally submit your application for review.

Process:

  • A licensed professional (architect, engineer, or planner) submits the application to the respective Municipality or County Planning Department.

  • Application is completed using Form DC1 (Development Application Form).

Important: Only registered professionals with valid practicing licenses can submit on behalf of the developer.

4. Pre-Vetting & Invoicing

Purpose: Initial review and fee assessment.

Process:

  • Application is received and logged into the system.

  • County officials review for completeness.

  • An invoice is generated based on the project scope and estimated value.

  • A tracking number is issued for future reference.

Next Step: Pay the required fees to proceed to review.

5. Review & Circulation

Purpose: Technical assessment by relevant departments and agencies.

Process:

  • Application is circulated to:

    • Technical officers (engineering, planning, environment)

    • Relevant authorities (water, roads, fire, etc.)

    • External agencies (where applicable)

  • Recommendations are obtained from all stakeholders.

Timeline: Circulation and review completed within 7 days of submission.

6. Approval & Issuance of Permits

Purpose: Formal decision on development application.

Outcome:

  • Development permission is either granted or refused through Form DC8 (Decision Notice).

Timelines:

Project Type Processing Time
Single dwellings & boundary walls Within 7 days
Other applications (multi-storey, commercial, etc.) Within 30 days

Permit Validity: Permits are typically valid for a specified period; check with county for exact duration.

7. Commencement

Purpose: Begin construction only after all approvals are in place.

Required Approvals Before Commencement:

Approval Issuing Authority
Construction Permit Kiambu County (issued after approval)
NEMA Approval National Environment Management Authority
NCA License National Construction Authority (project registration)

Key Requirement: Do not begin any construction work until all three approvals are obtained. Starting without approvals may result in stop-work orders or penalties.

8. Post-Approval Inspection

Purpose: Ensure construction complies with approved plans and standards.

Key Requirements:

Requirement Details
Commencement Timeline Development must commence within 3 years of permit issuance
Completion Timeline Development must be completed within 5 years of commencement
Inspection Card Developer must request inspections during commencement and at subsequent construction stages
Inspection Card Issuance Inspection card is provided by the county to record all inspections

Stages Requiring Inspection:

  • Foundation / footing stage

  • Slab / ground floor level

  • Roof level

  • Completion / final stage

9. Completion, Final Inspection & Issuance of Occupation Permit

Purpose: Verify completion and authorize occupancy.

Process:

Step Action
1. Final Inspection Request Licensed professionals (architect, engineer) request final inspection from the county
2. Certificate of Compliance County officials inspect and issue certificate confirming compliance with approved plans
3. Completion Report Registered site architect and structural engineer submit completion reports
4. Occupation Permit County issues Occupation Permit authorizing use and habitation

Importance of Occupation Permit:

  • Required before moving in or occupying the building

  • Necessary for insurance coverage

  • Required for property sale or mortgage applications

Summary Timeline

Stage Activity Timeline
1 Pre-Application Consultation Immediate (upon request)
2 Document Preparation Variable (depends on developer)
3 Application Submission 1 day
4 Pre-Vetting & Invoicing 2–5 days
5 Review & Circulation Within 7 days
6 Approval & Permit Issuance 7–30 days (depending on project)
7 Commencement After all approvals secured
8 Post-Approval Inspections Throughout construction
9 Final Inspection & Occupation Permit Upon completion

Important Notes

  • Licensed Professionals: All submissions and inspections must be handled by registered professionals with valid practicing licenses.

  • Fees: Fees are calculated based on project scope, value, and type. Consult county for current fee structure.

  • Extensions: If construction cannot commence within 3 years or complete within 5 years, apply for extension before permits expire.

  • Penalties: Unauthorized construction, deviations from approved plans, or failure to obtain permits may result in fines, stop-work orders, or demolition.

How Markman Build Can Help

Navigating the county approval process can be complex and time-consuming. Markman Build offers comprehensive assistance, including:

  • ✅ Pre-application consultations and site assessments

  • ✅ Coordination with licensed architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors

  • ✅ Preparation and submission of development applications

  • ✅ Liaison with county officials throughout the review process

  • ✅ Post-approval compliance and inspection coordination

  • ✅ Final inspection and occupation permit facilitation

Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on your vision.

MARKMAN BUILD COMPANY
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: 0729001366 / 0720277948
Email: info@markmanbuild.com
Motto: “Built Strong. Built Right.”