Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a directive for the demolition of illegally constructed structures along riparian land adjacent to rivers in Nairobi.
The order specifically targets those residing within 30 meters of Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi rivers.
Kindiki has instructed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to collaborate with the Nairobi City County Government and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure the immediate evacuation of people living along the rivers. He emphasized that the evacuation would be mandatory for those who refuse to relocate.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kindiki stated that the removal of structures would commence immediately after the affected residents or property owners have moved to safer locations.
“The Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams are directed to collaborate with the Nairobi City County Government and the Multi-agency Team under the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure the immediate evacuation of all individuals within the 30-meter riparian land along the Nairobi Rivers (Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi Rivers), followed by the removal of all buildings and structures within the riparian land as well as the planning corridor,” Kindiki said.
He assured that the government has made provisions for temporary shelter, food, and essential supplies for those affected by the demolition and evacuation directive.
This directive applies to all Kenyans residing within 30 meters of riparian land in rivers and other water bodies nationwide. Kindiki gave a 24-hour notice for relocation, starting from 6:30 PM on Thursday.
After the grace period, mandatory evacuation will be enforced during daytime, from 6 AM to 6:30 PM.
“In accordance with relevant provisions of the Constitution of Kenya and National Land Legislation, it is hereby ordered that all individuals residing within the 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country vacate immediately, and within 24 hours effective from today, May 2, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Failure to comply will result in mandatory evacuation for their safety, and their premises, whether public or private, shall be removed,” Kindiki stated.
He also mentioned that 178 dams across the country are either filled or nearly filled. Kindiki directed individuals residing near these 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 pose a risk now but could in the event of further precipitation,” he added.
