Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ignited a debate over the city's skyline, defending the construction of high-rise apartments in previously low-rise, affluent neighbourhoods like Kileleshwa and Lavington.

This decision comes against the backdrop of concerns from residents who feel the character of their neighbourhoods is being lost, transforming into "concrete jungles."

However, Governor Sakaja maintains that the city's projected population boom necessitates this upward expansion.

"Nairobi is on an inevitable growth trajectory," Governor Sakaja declared during a church service in Bahati.

"By 2050, our population is expected to reach 10.5 million. We simply don't have the space to sprawl outwards; the only way is up."

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Governor Sakaja emphasized that proper infrastructure development is crucial.

"The key is to ensure proper sewage, water, and drainage systems are in place to accommodate these high-rises," he stated.

The Governor further revealed that President William Ruto has given the go-ahead for the construction of taller buildings, scrapping previous height restrictions.

This move, according to Sakaja, will facilitate the expansion of the Affordable Housing Programme.

"Previously, there were limitations on building heights, especially near the airport. But with the Eastleigh Airbase no longer a viable evacuation route due to traffic congestion, these restrictions have been lifted," Sakaja explained.

"We're now looking at buildings up to 25 floors."

Previously, Kileleshwa, categorized as Zone Four by the Nairobi City Council, had a building height limit of four floors. Lavington, along with Upper Spring Valley, Kyuna, and Loresho, fell under Zone Five with similar restrictions.

However, these limitations are no longer enforced, with some new developments already reaching 15 floors, dwarfing older, low-rise structures.

The construction boom has sparked resident complaints regarding overflowing sewage systems, limited water supplies, and increased waste accumulation.

Governor Sakaja has yet to address these concerns publicly.