In a landmark move, on Monday February 17, 2025, Kajiado County signed a Memorandum of Engagement (MoE) with the Kajiado County Alliance of Residents’ Associations (K-CARA), providing a structured framework for collaboration between the County Government and Residents’ Associations. This agreement institutionalizes citizen participation in governance, planning, and development control, ensuring that residents have a strong voice in shaping their communities.
As a key outcome of this engagement, Kajiado becomes the first county to mandate a No Objection Letter (NOL) from Residents’ Associations for all development applications. The Governor emphasized that developers must now submit a valid NOL with their requests as proof of community consultation and compliance with zoning laws.
- Where a Residents’ Association (RA) exists, the NOL must be issued by the RA.
- In areas without an RA, K-CARA will issue the NOL to ensure all developments adhere to planning regulations.
This move is expected to streamline the approval process, prevent unplanned developments and uphold environmental and infrastructural integrity across the County.
The Attorney General’s representative reaffirmed the County’s position on strict enforcement of urban planning and zoning regulations. He commended Residents’ Associations for their commitment and swift integration of amendments that strengthen the planning process. He also assured continued partnership with RAs, emphasizing that all urban centers must meet legal planning requirements before approval.
Additionally, the County Government urged Residents’ Associations to support revenue collection efforts rather than obstructing developments, emphasizing that structured collaboration will ensure urban areas are developed in a sustainable, well-regulated manner.
By signing the MoE and embedding legal safeguards for community participation, Kajiado County is setting a national precedent for inclusive governance and responsible urban planning. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative partnership between the County Government and its residents—ensuring that development is community-driven, sustainable, and aligned with the vision of livable cities.
