Sakaja Orders Demolition of Illegal Riverbank Structures in Bold Move to End Nairobi Flooding

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By Irene Mwende 



 Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built along riverbanks and the relocation of residents occupying riparian land, marking a decisive step in tackling Nairobi’s persistent flooding crisis.
The directive, issued under his capacity as Chair of the Implementation Committee on the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, is already being enforced across key flood-prone areas in the city.

Speaking during an inspection and demolition exercise in Westlands near Westgate Shopping Mall, Sakaja confirmed that action had commenced following the submission of a 48-hour report by the Infrastructure Subcommittee.
“The directive was clear—within 48 hours, we needed a concrete action plan to address flooding. I have received that report, and implementation is now underway,” he said.

The ongoing operation targets developments that have obstructed natural waterways, worsening flood risks during heavy rains. Authorities noted that in some instances, rivers had been reduced to narrow culverts incapable of handling increased water volumes.

“Here at Westgate, an entire river had been confined into a small culvert. We are reopening it to restore proper water flow,” Sakaja explained.
Heavy machinery has since been deployed along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries to dredge channels, remove debris, and clear blocked drainage systems.

City officials say the exercise is part of a broader urban resilience strategy aimed at restoring riparian corridors, improving stormwater management, and protecting lives and property from recurring floods.

While the move is expected to significantly ease flooding, it also raises concerns over the displacement of affected residents, with calls mounting for humane resettlement measures as enforcement continues.

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