Surveyors Warn Against Unlawful Demolitions in Nairobi Riparian Crackdown

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The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has raised concerns over the ongoing demolition of properties along Nairobi’s riparian reserves, cautioning the government against violating constitutional property rights in the process.

In a press statement released on May 5, 2026, the professional body expressed support for the government’s efforts to restore and protect water bodies under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.

 However, ISK warned that inconsistencies in legal definitions and technical standards governing riparian land have created confusion and conflict.
The statement comes amid recent remarks by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and heightened demolitions targeting structures deemed to be on riparian reserves—actions that have sparked public outcry and legal questions.

ISK pointed out that riparian reserves are often wrongly assumed to be public land, emphasizing that some affected properties were legally acquired and developed based on approved survey plans. The body stressed that where land was lawfully owned, any repossession should follow due process, including proper valuation, gazettement, and full compensation as required under the Constitution.

“Any retroactive application of new riparian definitions to deprive landowners of property without compensation amounts to compulsory acquisition and is unconstitutional,” the statement noted.

At the same time, ISK distinguished such cases from illegally acquired or fraudulently developed properties, which it said do not qualify for compensation and can be lawfully removed.
The surveyors also highlighted broader systemic issues, including conflicting laws, unclear measurement standards, and lack of coordinated policy on riparian management. These gaps, they argued, have contributed to encroachment, environmental degradation, and disputes over enforcement.
To address the crisis, ISK called for urgent harmonization of laws, clear technical guidelines, and greater public participation in decision-making. It also urged the government to prioritize sustainable flood management solutions, such as improved drainage systems, proper urban planning, and stricter enforcement of development regulations.
As flooding continues to affect parts of Nairobi, the institution warned that environmental protection must be balanced with respect for property rights and the rule of law.
ISK reaffirmed its readiness to work with government agencies, county authorities, and communities to ensure that riparian reserve management is both legally sound and environmentally sustainable.

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