---
description: >-
  This page entails the detailsof a guidebook developed with the objective of
  operationalizing the Physical Planning Act (Cap 286)
---

# 9.  Physical Planning Handbook 2008

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Quick Link: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dyz7Vv5aNTYSQTdT4zRsP4pD6l6VDdvr/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dyz7Vv5aNTYSQTdT4zRsP4pD6l6VDdvr/view)

·         This is a handbook or guidance developed with the objective of operationalizing the Physical Planning Act 1996 (Cap 286) (Now repealed) and developing comprehensive land use planning guidelines and standards. It is a tool that is a useful guide for professionals (planners) in the land use and physical planning space as it details the processes and procedures to be followed when obtaining the various development permissions and approvals. The handbook also contains gazetted rules and regulations applicable to the sector.

·         However, the current handbook has now been overtaken by events to a significant extent given the changed regulatory regime. In particular, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 introduced devolution (county governments in place of the earlier local authorities/governments) which were charged with physical planning. The Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019 also repealed the Physical Planning Act 1996, upon which the handbook is largely based.

·         The handbook refers to many old statutes which have since been repealed and/or amended. There has also been a litany of regulations ever since, which means that the handbook needs to be updated to reflect the new changes and thus continue being a useful tool for professionals and stakeholders in the planning sector.

·         The Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning developed a [Concept Paper for the Formulation of the Physical and Land Use Planning Handbook](https://lands.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Concept-Pape-on-Hand-book-June-2020-28-7-20.pdf) in July 2020 to inform the preparation of an updated handbook.
