Reclamation of Nairobi River Riparian Reserves To Save Lives, Boost Security For Local Communities

NAIROBI Kenya May 28 -All the reclaimed riparian reserves will be fenced and trenched to prevent re-encroachment, Interior Ministry has said.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki has said that besides saving human life from destructive storm water, reclamation of the Nairobi Rivers riparian reserves will boost security for communities living around, eliminate the use of river banks for the manufacture, sale and consumption of illicit, toxic and harmful alcoholic drinks, peddling of narcotic drugs.

“It will also destroy the hideouts of dangerous criminals who have been using structures erected on inaccessible riparian reserves to plan criminal activities and to retreat there after committing crimes,” CS Kindiki said.

The government has also said the exercise of unclogging, draining and rehabilitating the natural waterways of the rivers is set to commence shortly.

“Riverine ecosystem trees will be planted and recreational facilities established on both sides of the riparian reserves to be accessed and used by members of the public for free,” the CS said.

The ministry has also said a total of 25,000 households displaced from the Nairobi river riparian following three floods have been paid a one-off Sh10,000 each while the remaining households will receive theirs by close of business on Friday, May 31.

The floods affected a total of 40,000 households comprising of 181,000 individuals

CS Kindiki also said those affected by the orders to relocate will also receive priority consideration in the ongoing affordable housing programme.

Last month, torrential rains and the consequential floods led to the deaths of more than 300 Kenyans and massive destruction of property and livelihoods in many parts of the country.

In Nairobi, dozens of families perished in the dead of the night, swept by raging flood water as they slept in residential structures illegally constructed for rent within the riparian reserves of the Nairobi, Mathare, Ngong and other mini tributaries which in sum constitute the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem.

The flooding was worsened by obstruction, clogging and the diversionary effect of the rivers on account of structures erected within the 30-metre riparian corridor protected in law, according to the government.

The Government on May 2, 2024, invoked the provisions of the law on preservation of public security and issued a 24-hour notice for all persons residing or carrying out any activities within the 30-metre riparian corridor to voluntarily relocate or otherwise face compulsory evacuation for their security and safety.