CS Wahome put to task over alleged discriminatory demolitions along Nairobi River

Lands CS Alice Wahome has come under fire over claims of discriminatory demolitions targeting structures along the Nairobi River, which is currently undergoing a major government-led rehabilitation programme.

The criticism arises amid revelations that several buildings—particularly in upstream areas—may be spared, even as mass demolitions continue in informal settlements downstream as part of the ongoing river restoration efforts.

Appearing before the Senate Lands Committee, Wahome clarified that the ongoing cleanup does not focus on reclaiming riparian reserves, but rather on areas with severe pollution.

“Our objective is to regenerate the river, not the riparian reserve,” she told the committee, which is chaired by Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki.

Wahome disclosed that the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme is being implemented in specific "design areas" along the heavily polluted river corridor.

The government has signed a seven-year contract for the cleanup, spearheaded by the Nairobi Rivers Commission and jointly executed by the ministries of Housing, Environment and Defence.

The Sh50 billion initiative, launched in March 2025, is a large-scale environmental and infrastructure intervention aimed at revitalising the Nairobi River ecosystem and its surrounding communities.

The programme integrates; affordable housing, modern markets and enhanced infrastructure, transforming it into a liveable and economically vibrant city.

The initiative spans Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Murang’a counties, and includes river rehabilitation, flood mitigation, sewerage installation and waste management efforts—measures designed to improve public health and urban resilience.

Wahome said the operation targets pollution hotspots, not geography.

“We are focusing on where there is the greatest pollution. We are not guided by whether people live upstream or downstream,” she said.

The project aims to curb contamination from raw sewage, solid waste, industrial effluents and poor drainage systems.

However, committee members questioned the perceived double standards in the enforcement of demolitions—particularly in informal settlements—while industrial and residential structures elsewhere remain untouched.

“When we talk about riparian land, enforcement should be uniform. All buildings and structures on the reserve should be removed,” Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said.

Nyutu expressed concern about the disproportionate demolitions targeting vulnerable communities.

“Do we have two sets of laws? Why are we only seeing demolitions in informal areas when pollution is present along the entire river?” he posed.

In response, Wahome reiterated that while the primary goal is river regeneration, any structures obstructing the process—whether legal or illegal—would be cleared.

She also revealed that the project currently employs 20,000 youth under the ClimateWorx programme, and will recruit an additional 10,000.

Furthermore, the programme includes the development of marketplaces and social housing units, primarily for those displaced by the demolitions.

Wahome, however, ruled out compensation for displaced persons, noting that they do not legally own the land. Still, the government is considering offering a token to acknowledge the disruptions caused.

Last week, President William Ruto toured parts of the Nairobi River to assess the project’s progress. He announced the hiring of another 20,000 youth to fast-track the cleanup exercise.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

On March 10, 2025, Ruto launched the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme to be implemented at a cost of Sh50 billion. The project was expected to create 40,000 jobs, up from 22,000 under the Climate Worx Mtaani Initiative, besides the construction of a 60km sewer line and 50,000 affordable houses in the reclaimed areas. During the launch, Ruto said the government would ensure Nairobi remains clean and safe for the residents and visitors. He described the project as a life-changing initiative that will ensure dignified living, sustainable transport and economic empowerment for thousands of residents.