Kiambu County government has launched a comprehensive revision of its land rules, putting landowners and developers on notice in a historic move that will redefine land usage and growth in one of Kenya’s fastest-growing counties.
The new regulations, published on June 5, impose extensive limits on the county’s Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plans (ISUDPs) for 2020–2030.
Under the new regulations, no development will be approved unless it strictly adheres to the county’s spatial zoning framework. All applications must also comply with the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (PLUPA), 2019, the National Building Code, 2024, and the latest development control regulations.
The changes curb rampant and unplanned land subdivisions, protect dwindling agricultural land, and reinforce sustainable urban growth.
Developers will now be legally required to preserve a significant portion of land for agricultural use. Urban projects on parcels between 20 and 50 acres must set aside 20% for urban farming; those over 50 acres must preserve 30%. Peri-urban developments must retain 40%, while rural areas face a steep 80% requirement.
“Kiambu has witnessed a dangerous trend of illegal subdivisions and unsustainable land use,” Governor Kimani Wamatangi stated. “This has resulted in food insecurity and environmental degradation. We must act now to secure our future.”
Violators face hefty penalties, including fines of up to KSh 500,000 or imprisonment. Additionally, titles issued without approved subdivision schemes will be declared invalid. County enforcement officers now have the authority to halt any unauthorised developments.
The county has also redefined the role of its 12 municipalities under the ISUDPs. Each town has been assigned a unique economic function from Thika’s transformation into an industrial hub to Ruiru’s evolution into a liveable, investment-friendly city.
