Government Reaffirms Commitment to Reclaim Riparian Land Along Nairobi Rivers

By Catherine Muema Last updated Oct 17, 2024

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to reclaim riparian land along Nairobi rivers, emphasizing that all encroached structures will be removed, regardless of ownership. Duale made the statement while addressing the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, where he defended the government’s recent actions to relocate households residing along the city’s riverbanks.

Duale stressed that the relocation was a necessary measure following a devastating flood in May, which claimed the lives of 47 people. The Cabinet Secretary explained that the government’s priority has been to protect lives and prevent future tragedies caused by flooding, adding that the decision was taken in the best interest of public safety.

“The relocation of households along Nairobi rivers was lawful, humane, and in the best interest of wananchi following the death of 47 people to floods in the city,” said Duale. “Saving lives has been our primary focus, and relocating residents from vulnerable areas was essential to prevent further loss of life.”

In May, following a directive from the cabinet, the government initiated the relocation of over 181,000 people who were living in areas identified as riparian zones near the Nairobi Rivers Corridor. The cabinet had issued a two-day notice for all residents in these corridors to vacate their premises, warning that forced demolitions would follow if the directive was not adhered to.

The swift action was prompted by the need to safeguard vulnerable populations from recurring floods, a growing concern in Nairobi. Heavy rains earlier in the year led to severe flooding, submerging many informal settlements near riverbanks and causing extensive damage to properties and infrastructure.

Despite the rapid timeline, Duale assured that the relocation was carried out with consideration for the affected families. However, he made it clear that the government would not back down on its stance to reclaim riparian land, emphasizing that this was part of broader efforts to rehabilitate the Nairobi river ecosystem and mitigate future environmental hazards.

“The safety of our people is paramount, and we cannot afford to risk more lives due to negligence,” Duale said. “The government’s actions aim to ensure that riparian areas are clear, safe, and environmentally sustainable.”

The aggressive move by the government has drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding the effort to prioritize safety and environmental protection, while others have raised concerns about the short notice and the impacts on displaced families. Nevertheless, the government has maintained that the reclamation of riparian land is essential for long-term safety, flood control, and environmental sustainability.