The Nairobi high-rise building regulations have undergone a significant shift as the controversial cap on height and floors has been lifted in select suburbs. Governor Johnson Sakaja announced this decision, citing the pressing need to accommodate Nairobi's rapidly expanding population. Previously, residential flats were constrained to just four floors, but this limit has gradually increased, with some areas now allowing up to 12 floors. Sakaja clarified that the earlier mentioned 25-floor limit was specific to areas surrounding airports and not a city-wide restriction. Ongoing reviews of height approvals will consider various factors including plot ratios, ground coverage, and area character, ensuring responsible development practices.

These regulatory changes aim to encourage development closer to residential areas, particularly in high-end estates west of Nairobi, to alleviate congestion in the city center. The adjustments stem from a 2012 revision of building by-laws by the City Council of Nairobi, aiming to facilitate the construction of office blocks in upscale suburbs to the city's west. These changes, part of a new land use policy, aimed to promote working closer to home and reduce commuting distances. While these developments signal a shift in Nairobi's urban landscape, Sakaja emphasizes the importance of responsible growth, ensuring that infrastructure such as sewage, water, and drainage systems can adequately support the increasing density of high-rise buildings.