Kindiki orders demolition of buildings along Nairobi rivers

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has ordered the demolition of structures and buildings illegally constructed along riparian land near Nairobi rivers.

The directive affects all those living within 30 metres of Ngong, Mathare and Nairobi rivers.

Kindiki directed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to work with the Nairobi City County Government and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure immediate vacation of people living along the rivers.

In a statement on Thursday, the CS said the evacuation will be mandatory should one refuse to move.

Kindiki said the removal of the structures will begin immediately after the owners or residents move to safer places.

“The Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams are directed to work with the Nairobi City County Government and the Multi-agency Team under the auspices of the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure the immediate vacation or mandatory evacuation of all persons within the 30-metre riparian land along the Nairobi Rivers (Mathare, Ngong and Nairobi Rivers), and thereafter oversee the removal of all buildings and structures within the riparian land as well as the planning corridor,” Kindiki said.

He reaffirmed that the government has put in place adequate measures to provide temporary shelter, food and non-food essential supplies to all those that will be affected by the demolition and evacuation directive.

The order extends to all Kenyans living within 30-metres of riparian land in rivers and other water bodies across the country.

Kindiki said they all have 24 hours to move starting 6.30pm Thursday.

He said upon lapse of the grace period, the government will enforce mandatory evacuation during daytime as from 6am to 6.30pm.

“Pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Constitution of Kenya and National Land Legislation, it is hereby ordered that all persons residing within the 30 metre riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country vacate immediately and in any case within 24 hours effective today, May 2, 2024 at 1830 hours, failing which they will be subjected to mandatory evacuation for their safety and their premises, whether for public or private use shall be removed.”

Kindiki in his statement added that 178 dams across the country are either filled up or nearly filled up.

He directed persons residing within the immediate neighbourhood of the dams or water reservoirs to vacate the areas immediately.

“The County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) are further directed to continuously monitor other dams or water reservoirs across the country that may not be presenting a risk now but could do so in the event of further precipitation,” he said.