President William Ruto has seemingly shifted his stance on the height limitations for high-rise buildings near Nairobi’s Moi Air Force Base in Eastleigh. Speaking in Eastleigh on Saturday during the Kenya Air Force’s 60th anniversary celebrations, Ruto emphasized the need for strict adherence to building height regulations in the area. He underscored the importance of respecting these rules to prevent encroachment on the airbase’s airspace.
“We will make sure that this facility does not lose its premier position and all buildings that have been built beyond the height that are provided for in law,” he 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 Defense Forces.”
Ruto’s sentiments come just a month after he assured Eastleigh developers of unlimited construction opportunities in the commercial estate when he lifted a ban capping constructions in Eastleigh at 12 storeys.
“I am the Commander-in-Chief. In Eastleigh, previously, you could not build more than a 12-storey building, but I have now declared that you can build up to 25 or 30-storey buildings so that citizens can get accommodation and live in a harmonious neighborhood,” Ruto said in Kiamaiko, Mathare, on May 6.
Following Ruto’s conflicting remarks, Kenyans flooded social media platform X to highlight the Head of State’s contradictory statement.
“They have now realized that there’s an airbase hapo?” X user Dr. Kelvin Kusienya posed.
“The guy just says anything to please the masses,” Mshopa added.
“Huyu jamaa ako sawa ama kuna kitu inamsumbua?” Javanda asked.