Jubilee wants Cord to pay for property destroyed in demos
NATION: The Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) wants Cord leaders to compensate owners of property that was lost or destroyed during Monday’s protests in Nairobi.
Kenya's public spaces must be protected from individuals with selfish interests
Public spaces such as children playgrounds, community centres, parks, high streets play a vital role in the social life of communities.
90-day Ultimatum issued to unapproved building owners in Nairobi to get permits
Owners of the more than 50,000 buildings in Nairobi that were constructed without City Hall approval have three months to seek fresh permits for their property or risk demolition. Governor Evans Kidero said the law, offering a window to those who built without the county's nod, was passed last year but many developers have failed to take advantage of it.
“Buildings especially those in Embakasi, Roysambu and Ruai were constructed without approval. Probably, the owners did not have required documents,” said Kidero. “We are giving such developers 90 days to look for architects and apply to us so that we can check the integrity of their houses and give approval. If they fail we will bring them down,” said Kidero.
The Nairobi City County Regularization of Development Bill was signed into law last September. The governor's directive comes nine days since the collapse of a six-storey building in Huruma estate, killing 49 people; 140 were rescued from the rubble of the block that crumbled following heavy rains in Nairobi.
A number of high-rise buildings especially in Eastlands were built without the county’s approval. The main reason given was that the owners did not have title deeds and only held share certificates from land-buying companies.
The law has previously stipulated that one must hold a title to have their projects approved and issued with a development permit. “Teams have been formed to look at the applications (from developers) and vet them. We’ll accept post-facto (retroactive) approval for post-development drawings,” said Kidero.
"Structurally sound buildings will be approved while those with minor defects will have to be altered according to the advice of vetting engineers," the governor said.
The county boss also said that three of the seven buildings earmarked for demolition in Huruma estate have been brought down and the remaining will follow this week.
Source: The Star-> http://ow.ly/mZHp3001Jjz
Kara Chairperson’s Forum: NEMA challenged by residents associations to enhance its effectiveness
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with members and provide platform for sharing ideas on diverse service delivery issues, Kara periodically organizes Residents Associations Chairpersons’ Forum.
Kara AGM 2016: New faces join Kara Governing Council
The Kara Annual General Meeting (AGM) was successfully held on 29th April 2016 at the secretariat offices. Besides the traditional agenda items, the meeting unanimously endorsed Messrs Paul Oyier, Arthur Namu and Ms. Natasha Njee to fill up the vacant positions in the Council.
Substandard Buildings: Q&A with the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Land, Housing & Urban Development
Following the incident of a building that collapsed in Huruma estate and many other cases of substandard buildings across the country, Kara sought the views of Prof. Paul Mwangi, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Public Works at the Ministry of Land, Housing & Urban Development. Below is the response from the PS.
Kidero Must Take Full Responsibility for the Nairobi City Flooding & Collapse of Buildings
The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) sends its sincere condolence to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives as a result of the massive flooding and collapse of a building in Huruma Estate in Nairobi.
KARA BTS 48: Land Principal Secretary calls for Resident Associations support in enforcement of land laws
The 48th Edition of the KARA Bi-Monthly Talk Series took place on 25thApril 2016 at the Laico Regency Hotel. The theme of discussion was:
Children’s needs ignored in Nairobi’s physical planning
City planners and citizens take care of the young by creating comfortable, engaging public spaces, playgrounds and parks.
Environment: Nairobi City County Government to embrace partnership with Kara in addressing environmental challenges
The newly appointed Nairobi County Executive for Environment, Water, Sanitation & Energy, Mr. Peter Kimori is determined to ensure that residents get better services from his docket.
State of the nation: Kenya’s Vision 2030 and why economic growth still remains elusive
Kenya’s ambition of becoming a middle-income economy hangs in the balance as the government struggles to meet key growth targets under its long-term development plan the “Vision 2030.”
Karen Residents Oppose Art unit in Court over Cleanliness
Karen Ngong View Estate Association members went to court on 21/3/16 seeking to stop the construction of an arts and culture exhibition centre in Karen following a row with the National Environment and Management Authority (Nema) over their safety.
Kara Successfully Conducts 6th Training Workshop for County Leaders
The 6th edition of the KARA 3-day training workshops for County leaders took place on the 16th-18th March 2016, and was held at the Laico Regency Hotel, Nairobi.
Air Pollution: NEMA to Inspect Cars for Exhaust Emissions
Private and public service vehicles will soon begin undergoing annual inspection to ensure they don’t release excessive exhaust fumes.
The benefits of residents’ associations
Unpublished
Many Kenyans view residents’ associations as relevant only to the affluent.
Security: City street cameras help in recovery of stolen cars
Stealing a vehicle in Nairobi and Mombasa cities is now more difficult, thanks to surveillance cameras mounted on the streets.
New Rules on Use of CDF Take Force
Health, water and road projects will no longer get money from the Constituency Development Fund after a new law to govern the popular kitty came into effect last Friday.
Investment in Non Motorized Transport Key to Addressing Transportation Challenges in Kenya
Kenya, like many other African countries places much emphasis on moving cars when developing road infrastructure as opposed to moving people.
Advisory on Some Residents Non-Cooperation on Payment of Applicable Fees to Respective Residents Associations
We have received complaints from some of our members regarding residents of their neighbourhoods who refuse to abide by the rules and regulations of the Association or pay the agreed subscription/service fee.
Land search and rent payments now available online
In a move aimed at improving efficiency at the Lands Ministry, land search and land rent payments have been moved online.
