The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has invited public comments on a proposed 25-storey residential development in Westlands, Nairobi. Submitted by Flourish Haven Limited, the project would comprise 464 apartments, two basement levels and 284 parking spaces along Ring Road. The environmental assessment identifies potential impacts involving traffic congestion, water consumption, air and noise pollution, waste generation and construction safety. Members of the public have 30 days from the publication of the November 6, 2026, Kenya Gazette notice to submit their views before NEMA makes a regulatory decision.
Key Takeaways
- NEMA has received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for a proposed 25-storey residential development in Westlands.
- The project, proposed by Flourish Haven Limited, would contain 464 apartments and 284 parking spaces.
- The development includes two basement levels, swimming pools, landscaped gardens and children’s play areas.
- Potential environmental concerns include traffic congestion, water demand, noise, air pollution and waste generation.
- The developer has proposed traffic management, rainwater harvesting, dust control and other environmental safeguards.
- Public comments must be submitted within 30 days of the November 6, 2026, Gazette notice.
- The EIA review is not construction approval.
What Is the Proposed 25-Storey Westlands Apartment Development?
NEMA has invited members of the public to submit comments on a proposed 25-storey residential development along Ring Road in Westlands, Nairobi, after receiving an Environmental Impact Assessment study report from Flourish Haven Limited.
The project is planned for Plot No. Nairobi/Block 4/238 and would comprise two basement levels, a ground floor and 25 upper floors.
The proposed 464 residential units would be distributed as follows:
| Apartment type | Number of units |
| One-bedroom apartments | 243 |
| Two-bedroom apartments | 154 |
| Three-bedroom apartments | 66 |
| Penthouse | 1 |
| Total | 464 |
The development would also include 284 parking spaces, along with children’s play areas, swimming pools, gardens, sitting areas, and other associated facilities.
The concentration of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments means smaller residential units would account for most of the proposed housing supply.
However, the project remains under environmental assessment. NEMA’s receipt of the EIA report and invitation for public comments do not mean that construction has been approved or commenced.
Why Has NEMA Raised Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns?
The environmental assessment identifies several potential impacts that could arise during construction and after the apartments become occupied.
These include:
- Increased traffic and congestion.
- Higher water consumption.
- Air pollution and dust emissions.
- Noise pollution.
- Soil erosion and vegetation loss.
- Increased waste generation.
- Fire risks and security concerns.
- Occupational health and safety risks.
- Potential contributions to climate change.
These concerns are particularly relevant because the proposed development fronts Ring Road, an established urban corridor serving residential and commercial properties in Westlands.
A high-rise development of this scale could increase vehicle movements, construction deliveries and demand for essential services. Its eventual impact would depend partly on the capacity of existing infrastructure and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
The environmental review therefore provides an opportunity to examine whether the project can proceed without creating unacceptable pressure on neighbouring properties, road users and local resources.
How Will the Developer Manage Traffic and Water Demand?
Traffic management is one of the key issues identified in the assessment.
The developer has proposed preparing and implementing a Traffic Management Plan, employing trained traffic marshals and scheduling construction material deliveries during off-peak periods where practicable.
An on-site holding area is also proposed to prevent construction vehicles from parking or idling on public roads.
These measures are intended to reduce disruption along Ring Road and limit interference with surrounding traffic.
Water demand is another important consideration, particularly given the number of households the development would accommodate.
The proposed measures include:
- Motion-sensing taps and water-efficient sanitary fittings.
- Water-efficient urinals and toilets.
- Rainwater harvesting systems.
- Storage tanks for collected rainwater.
- Reuse of harvested water for cleaning, toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
The EIA notice states that motion-sensor taps could reduce annual water usage by up to 50% compared with conventional taps.
However, these measures would help manage consumption rather than establish that the existing water supply infrastructure has sufficient capacity to serve the completed development.
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What Environmental and Construction Safety Measures Are Proposed?
The developer has outlined several measures to manage environmental and safety risks during construction.
Air pollution and dust: Trucks transporting loose materials would be covered, while water would be sprinkled on dusty surfaces. Construction equipment would also use clean fuels.
Noise pollution: Sound barriers and properly maintained machinery are proposed to reduce noise. Workers exposed to high noise levels would receive protective equipment.
Soil erosion and vegetation: Measures to manage disturbed ground and reduce soil erosion would form part of the environmental management arrangements.
Fire safety: The proposal includes fire alarms fitted with smoke sensors and standby fire extinguishers at the construction site.
Waste management: Waste would be separated at the source, stored appropriately and handled by NEMA-licensed waste handlers.
Security: CCTV cameras, security lighting and security personnel are proposed to support site safety.
Worker protection: The developer has proposed worker training, protective equipment and safeguards addressing occupational health and safety.
A grievance redress mechanism would also allow neighbouring residents to raise complaints during project implementation.
The effectiveness of these measures will depend on how they are implemented and whether NEMA imposes additional conditions following the review.
Why Is the Proposal Drawing Attention Amid Nairobi’s High-Rise Construction Concerns?
The proposed Westlands development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nairobi’s high-rise construction sector following the collapse of an 18-storey building along 9th Street in Eastleigh on October 23, 2026.
The incident left eight people dead, four rescued alive and three others officially listed as missing after the search and rescue operation concluded.
The collapse raised questions about construction approvals and regulatory oversight. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that although a change-of-use application had been granted in October 2024, the building plans had not received approval.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) also indicated that the project had been registered in July 2025. However, reports raised questions about when records were uploaded to its portal, while the building reportedly lacked a NEMA environmental licence.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Health directed public health officers to inspect buildings under construction and promptly report occupational hazards.
Against this background, the Westlands proposal highlights the importance of examining environmental, planning and safety requirements before major developments proceed.
However, the Eastleigh collapse does not establish that the proposed Westlands project has similar compliance problems. The two developments should be assessed on their individual documentation, approvals and safety arrangements.
How Can the Public Participate in NEMA’s Environmental Review?
NEMA has invited members of the public to submit oral or written comments within 30 days of the publication of the Kenya Gazette notice on November 6, 2026.
The submissions will help inform the authority’s decision on the proposed development.
Interested residents, property owners and other stakeholders can raise concerns about issues such as traffic, water availability, environmental pollution, construction safety and the potential effects on neighbouring properties.
The submissions should reference:
NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00802
Comments can be addressed to the Director-General of NEMA through the following channels:
- Email: [email protected]
- NEMA headquarters: Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
- In person: Nairobi City County Director of Environment’s office.
The full EIA study report is available for inspection during working hours at NEMA headquarters and the Nairobi City County Director of Environment’s office. It can also be downloaded from the NEMA website.
The 30-day consultation period provides an opportunity for the public to raise relevant concerns before the regulator reaches its decision.
The Bigger Picture: Why Does This Matter Now?
The proposed 464-apartment development reflects the continued growth of high-density residential construction in Nairobi, particularly in established urban areas such as Westlands.
High-rise housing can increase the number of homes accommodated within limited urban land and make use of existing urban locations. However, the benefits depend on whether supporting infrastructure can accommodate additional residents and whether construction complies with environmental, planning and safety requirements.
For Westlands, the central questions extend beyond the number of apartments proposed. They include whether the road network can manage additional traffic, whether water and sewerage systems can support the development, and whether construction risks can be adequately controlled.
NEMA’s public consultation process provides an opportunity for these issues to be examined before a decision is made.
Ultimately, the project illustrates why environmental assessment and public participation are important parts of Nairobi’s urban development process. The proposed building’s future will depend on the regulatory review and the approvals required before construction can proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the proposed 25-storey apartment development located?
The proposed development is planned for Plot No. Nairobi/Block 4/238 along Ring Road in Westlands, Nairobi.
2. How many apartments will the proposed Westlands development have?
The project will comprise 464 apartments: 243 one-bedroom units, 154 two-bedroom units, 66 three-bedroom units and one penthouse.
3. Has NEMA approved construction of the Westlands apartment project?
No. NEMA has received the Environmental Impact Assessment report and invited public comments. The environmental review does not constitute construction approval.
4. How can members of the public submit comments on the proposed development?
Members of the public can submit oral or written comments to NEMA within 30 days of the November 6, 2026, Gazette notice. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] and should reference NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00802.
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