Inside Sakaja's demolition plan for illegal riparian structures
Nairobi
By
Pkemoi Ng'enoh
| Mar 20, 2026
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addresses preparations to unblock drainage and remove buildings on riverbanks amid heavy rains. March 16, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]
Illegal structures sitting on riparian land in Nairobi will be demolished as part of the county's flood mitigation plan, Governor Johnson Sakaja has said.
Sakaja gave the directive on Thursday after an inspection exercise near the Westgate Mall, with the area experiencing significant floods during heavy rains.
“Here at Westgate, an entire river had been confined to a small culvert. We are reopening it to restore proper water flow,” he said.
The operation to remove illegal structures targets dismantling structures that have constricted waterways, including sections where rivers have been reduced to narrow culverts incapable of handling heavy water flow.
READ MORE
Ketraco gets nod to reappoint board after petition struck out
Kenya targets 240,000 youth jobs in fisheries sector expansion
Kenya's insurance industry faces its claims moment
Co-op Bank posts Sh29.75b profit, proposes a record Sh14.67 billion dividend
MPs push KenGen to upgrade its power generation technology
Mwangi's Sh734m windfall as Equity posts record earnings
MoUs without jobs? Kenya's seafarer strategy under scrutiny
Why World Bank has banned PwC Kenya for 21 months
Property sector reaps big from rising demand for luxury healthcare
Already heavy machinery has been deployed along key river sections to clear debris, sludge, and remove illegal developments that have obstructed natural drainage.
The governor warned that all structures built along waterways will be removed without exception and urged affected residents and developers to vacate voluntarily ahead of enforcement.
“This is not a one-off exercise. It is a sustained effort to reclaim our rivers and prevent further loss of life and property,” he said.
Several areas have been earmarked for enforcement, including Kirichwa in Kilimani, parts of Westlands, sections of the central business district, and downstream zones along the Nairobi River.
Another multi-agency team is clearing blocked drainage systems and undertaking urgent road repairs in flood-affected areas, with progress reports expected weekly.
Sakaja also called for public accountability, citing illegal dumping and non-compliance with approved building plans as major contributors to the flooding crisis.
“This is a shared responsibility that must be addressed,” he said, urging regulatory bodies such as the National Construction Authority to strengthen enforcement.
Nairobi Rivers Commission Commissioner Mumo Musuva confirmed that joint operations are ongoing along major river corridors.
“We are working from Kabete Dam through City Park to Mathare, clearing riparian zones and reclaiming encroached areas,” said Musuva.
He added that key sections in Westlands, Kirichwa, and the upper Nairobi River have been demarcated for restoration.