Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has directed property owners within the Central Business District and residential areas to have their buildings fitted with gutters to enhance water harvesting.
Kinyanjui, in a directive which took effect on Wednesday, also ordered all the buildings be repainted and ‘advised owners to choose from white, blue and pink colours.’
In a notice issued on his behalf by County Secretary Benjamin Njoroge, the governor granted land lords ninety days to comply with the new requirements.
He said there was need to make Nakuru look beautiful as it gears up for city status and that it was a hub of several local and multinational companies.
“We need to invest in proper town planning and transform Nakuru to continue attracting more investors,” he said.
Mr Kinyanjui regretted that despite Nakuru being known for high-rise modern structures, some buildings were in a dilapidated state since they have not been repainted for years. His administration he said was keen on reclaiming the town’s past glory as the cleanest town in East Africa.
“Nakuru is a very vital commercial hub in Rift Valley Region. We should make sure that it is beautiful and clean. All buildings should be repainted and remain well maintained.
Building owners are required to improve pedestrian walkways by paving them and removing obstruction on walkways to ensure safe and free movement. All landlords are to ensure proper disposal of garbage from their premises and that none finds its way into public designated spaces,” stated the notice.
The devolved unit will now enforce a requirement that structural engineers, architects and designers issue completion certificates guaranteeing safety of new buildings before they are occupied.
“All developers must adhere to by-laws related to design of certain buildings which require that a person proposing to erect such buildings must engage for purposes of architectural design, a registered architect and for purpose of structural design, a structural engineer,” the new rules dictate.
The regulations also require property owners to ensure clean and healthy environment through urban greening with active tree planting, proper maintenance and preservation of trees together with other vegetation.
All external walling in private and public buildings will now be subject to bylaws related to resistance to weather and dampness by resisting penetration of rain.
“In this respect all unfaced external wall surfaces must be faced externally by rendering not less than 12.5mm thick or similar treatment and where the permeability of the wall requires, the addition of a suitable waterproofing compound shall be necessary.
All building owners are further required to ensure drainage around their building complies with the Public Health Act which requires that the owner of the building to make satisfactory provision for the drainage of the building,” states the notice.
By Jane Ngugi
