Rethinking Development Control:

Participatory Governance and Development Control Effectiveness in Nairobi Residential Areas 

Abstract

Development control is a statutory administrative mechanism of urban planning often criticised for inconsistency, discretionary decision-making, lack of transparency and limited community participation. A qualitative case study was carried out in Karen and Buruburu residential areas on community participation in development control. Data collected from key informants, focus group discussions, field observations and secondary sources revealed a discrepancy between the formal planning process and development control decision-making, identifying institutional fragmentation, political influence and weak participation as major governance challenges. Development control mechanisms operated under a negotiation process shaped by power relations, political influence and fragmented institutions. Effectiveness was undermined by lack of transparency, where regulatory institutions lacked accountable discretionary development practices, reducing participation to tokenism. The paper concludes that effective development control depends on a predictable regulatory framework, community participation, enabling governance practices and accountable decision-making in approving plans. A participatory development control model providing coordination, transparency and criteria for development control decisions is proposed.