Sakaja orders demolition of illegal structures on riverbanks

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built along riverbanks and the relocation of individuals occupying riparian land.

The directive, issued as part of a broader flood mitigation strategy, marks the beginning of what county officials describe as a sustained operation to reclaim waterways and restore proper drainage systems across Nairobi.

Sakaja, who also chairs the implementation committee overseeing the cooperation agreement between the Nairobi County Government and the national government, said the exercise follows the submission of a 48-hour action plan by the Infrastructure Subcommittee.

“The directive was clear, within 48 hours, we needed a concrete action plan to address flooding. I have received that report, and implementation is now underway,” he said while inspecting demolition works in Westlands near the Westgate area.

The governor noted that illegal developments have significantly interfered with natural waterways, worsening the city’s vulnerability to flooding during heavy rains.

“Here at Westgate, an entire river had been confined into a small culvert. We are reopening it to restore proper water flow,” Sakaja stated.

Heavy machinery has already been deployed in several parts of the city to clear debris, dredge rivers, and demolish structures that have encroached on riparian reserves.

Officials say some waterways had been reduced to narrow channels incapable of handling increased water volumes.

Sakaja warned that the demolitions will be carried out without exception and urged residents and developers occupying affected areas to vacate voluntarily ahead of enforcement.

“This is not a one-off exercise. It is a sustained effort to reclaim our rivers and prevent further loss of life and property,” he said.

Areas earmarked for enforcement include Kirichwa in Kilimani, sections of Westlands, parts of the central business district, and downstream zones along the Nairobi River.

In addition to demolitions, multi-agency teams have been deployed to unclog drainage systems and repair roads damaged by recent floods.

County officials indicated that progress reports on the operations will be released weekly to track implementation.

The governor also called for greater accountability among developers and residents, blaming illegal dumping and non-compliance with approved building plans for exacerbating the flooding crisis.

“Approvals are granted in line with the law, but some developers deviate from approved plans. This is a shared responsibility that must be addressed,” Sakaja said, urging regulators such as the National Construction Authority to tighten enforcement.

Meanwhile, Mumo Musuva, a commissioner at the Nairobi Rivers Commission, confirmed that joint operations are ongoing along key river corridors.

“We are working from Kabete Dam through City Park to Mathare, clearing riparian zones and reclaiming encroached areas,” Musuva said.

He added that priority sections in Westlands, Kirichwa, and upper parts of the Nairobi River have already been identified for restoration.

Authorities have warned that continued heavy rains could worsen the situation if urgent measures are not maintained. They have reiterated their commitment to enforcing the plan as part of a long-term strategy to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and property in the capital.