Ruto makes U-turn on 30-storey buildings in Eastleigh, cites Moi Air Base integrity 

President William Ruto now says developers in Eastleigh must keep to the agreed heights stressing that the military facility in the area must not lose its premier position.

Speaking at Moi Air Base Eastleigh on Saturday, June 8, 2024, where he was the chief guest at the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), Ruto said the military facility should not be affected by taller buildings in the area.

The President said his government was in discussions with the Nairobi County government to ensure all buildings do not exceed the heights provided for by the law.

“Let me also commit that in discussions with the County of Nairobi we will make sure that this facility does not lose its premier position and all buildings that have been built beyond the heights that are provided for in law,” Ruto said.

“We will work with the Nairobi City County to make sure that all developers keep to the standards that we have agreed with the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Defence Forces,” he added.

President William Ruto, Defence CS Aden Duale and top KDF chiefs ride on a special military vehicle at Moi Air Base on June 8, 2024. PHOTO/X (@WilliamsRuto)

Sharp U-turn

Ruto’s remark at Moi Air Base Eastleigh on Saturday is a departure from his promise to Eastleigh developers for a 30-storey building cap.

Speaking at the Kiamaiko slums in Mathare Sub-county, Nairobi, during a visit on May 6, 2024, following heavy rains and flooding, Ruto gave property developers in Eastleigh the go-ahead to construct high-rises buildings to meet the growing demand for accommodation.

The President said that his government was lifting the 12-floor cap on Eastleigh storey buildings and raising that to 30 floors.

Ruto explained that lifting the 12-storey cap in Eastleigh was aimed at increasing accommodation for all citizens.

He further noted that improved accommodation would ensure that slum dwellers are accorded decent lifestyles therefore promoting harmonious living.

“Since I am the Commander in Chief, I have said that in Eastleigh, you couldn’t build a house beyond 12 floors but now we can build storey buildings of up to 30 floors so that citizens can get accommodation and live in a harmonious neighbourhood,” Ruto stated.

We commend the residents of Nairobi who voluntarily heeded the Government's call to move out of riparian reserves.

In Kiamaiko, Nairobi County, assessed the floods situation and committed to support all those affected. pic.twitter.com/jGeAnAycEJ

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 6, 2024