Kisumu mulls ban on high-rise buildings in zoning plan

Kisumu County could ban construction of more than 10 storey buildings as it embarks on geophysical map and survey of the city.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said that in a bid to protect the town against the effects of natural catastrophes, they will consult the public on a new move to ban 10 storey buildings in the city.

Prof Nyong’o also hinted that they will soon embark on demolition of houses built on riparian lands as is happening in Nairobi.

“If indeed you see very soon some houses coming down, do not be surprised. We must enforce proper planning, get rid of those buildings on riparian land like its happening in Nairobi,” the Governor said.

He went on: “We want to get rid of those who used fake titles to build thus denying others right to use their titles. The injustices must come to an end to restore investor confidence.”

TENDER

The governor was alluding to the ongoing situation in the nation’s capital, Nairobi, where buildings have been demolished because they were illegally constructed on riparian land and road reserves.

The exercise has seen investors lose billions of shillings as the national government seeks to reclaim land that was illegally allocated.

Speaking during the launch of the second phase of Victoria Estates housing project, Governor Nyong’o said they had contracted two companies of international repute to conduct geophysical map and survey of the city.

“The contract was awarded last week. Two companies of international repute will do this so that we have a good plan and zoning for the city,” Prof Nyong’o said.

HOUSING

He pointed out that the move will enable the county plan on where to put roads, build industries and the kind of houses to construct.

“We may adopt a policy that no house or apartment should be higher than 10 storeys in Kisumu. For good reasons because the world is experiencing a lot of natural catastrophes.”

“China is already regretting. Its reviewing its plans of high-rise apartments of 89 storeys and above.”

He went on: “Our feeling is that we should have a policy like Washington, DC and we shall consult the public on this.”

Victoria Estates Chairman Sam Munda said they want to increase house cover in the lake-side city.