NAIROBI, Kenya – Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s determination to reclaim all riparian land along Nairobi’s rivers, warning that no illegally constructed structures will be spared, regardless of ownership.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, Duale defended the government’s controversial relocation of households from the Nairobi Rivers Corridor, an initiative sparked by the deadly May floods that claimed 47 lives.
Duale emphasized that the decision to remove residents from flood-prone areas was taken in the public interest, aiming to prevent further tragedies.
“The relocation of households along Nairobi rivers was lawful, humane, and in the best interest of wananchi,” he stated.
The relocation exercise, which took place in May, saw over 181,000 residents displaced from the riparian zones following a directive issued by the cabinet.
A two-day notice was provided for households to vacate, with a clear warning that non-compliance would result in the demolition of encroaching structures.
The rapid urbanization of Nairobi has led to widespread encroachment on riparian land, contributing to recurring floods in the city.
With climate change exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such disasters, the government has taken a firm stand to reclaim riparian zones and safeguard vulnerable populations from future risks.
This latest push comes amidst growing concerns over environmental degradation and flood management in the city, where unregulated construction has left communities exposed to the dangers of heavy rainfall.
The Nairobi Rivers Restoration Project is part of a broader government strategy to restore the city’s waterways and improve resilience to climate impacts.
Despite criticism from some quarters over the speed and scale of the evictions, Duale assured the public that the government’s actions were both legal and necessary, with a focus on long-term safety.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, Duale defended the government’s controversial relocation of households from the Nairobi Rivers Corridor, an initiative sparked by the deadly May floods that claimed 47 lives.
Duale emphasized that the decision to remove residents from flood-prone areas was taken in the public interest, aiming to prevent further tragedies.
“The relocation of households along Nairobi rivers was lawful, humane, and in the best interest of wananchi,” he stated.
The relocation exercise, which took place in May, saw over 181,000 residents displaced from the riparian zones following a directive issued by the cabinet.
A two-day notice was provided for households to vacate, with a clear warning that non-compliance would result in the demolition of encroaching structures.
The rapid urbanization of Nairobi has led to widespread encroachment on riparian land, contributing to recurring floods in the city.
With climate change exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such disasters, the government has taken a firm stand to reclaim riparian zones and safeguard vulnerable populations from future risks.
This latest push comes amidst growing concerns over environmental degradation and flood management in the city, where unregulated construction has left communities exposed to the dangers of heavy rainfall.
The Nairobi Rivers Restoration Project is part of a broader government strategy to restore the city’s waterways and improve resilience to climate impacts.
Despite criticism from some quarters over the speed and scale of the evictions, Duale assured the public that the government’s actions were both legal and necessary, with a focus on long-term safety.
