Public Participation Mechanisms and Building Regulations Control Policies in Nairobi City County, Kenya

This study analyzed the effect of public participation mechanisms on the enactment of building development control policies in Nairobi City County. The study was grounded on Cornwall’s participation theory and stakeholder theory. Both primary and secondary sources of data was collected. This study employed a descriptive research design relying on both quantitative and qualitative data. The study target population comprised members of Neighborhood Associations registered under the Kenya Urban Residence Association (KURA), KURA officials, members of the County Assembly Planning Committee, sub-county administrators, departmental technical heads, representatives of the National Construction Authority (NCA), and specialists responsible for public participation in the legislative sector. The study employed stratified random sampling technique to select 49 informants. The instruments of data collection were semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. A mixed-methods approach was adopted for data analysis. Data collected was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. This study found that submission of memoranda, town hall deliberations, and expert engagement significantly affected building regulations and development control policies in Nairobi City County. These mechanisms enhanced public participation, accountability, policy quality, and technical standards. This study recommends strengthening inclusive public participation by expanding access to both physical and digital platforms for submitting memoranda, Enhancing Town hall meetings as structured forums for integrating expert input into building regulations and development control policies and institutionalizing frameworks for expert engagement through well-coordinated involvement of professionals.

Public Participation, Building Regulations, Submission of Memoranda, Town Hall Deliberations and Expert Engagement

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