By Zipporah Stevens,
Demolition crews have moved into several parts of Nairobi after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja ordered the immediate removal of structures built along riverbanks, setting off what officials describe as a long-term effort to reduce flooding in the city.
The directive follows a rapid assessment by an infrastructure team that had been asked to come up with a plan within two days. According to the county government, that report has now been acted on, with work already underway in key areas.
Speaking during a site visit in Westlands, near the Westgate area, Sakaja said some waterways had been severely narrowed by construction, making them unable to carry large volumes of water during heavy rains.
He pointed to one section where a river had been reduced to a small culvert, saying the ongoing works would restore its natural width to improve flow.
Excavators and other heavy equipment have been deployed along affected river stretches. Crews are clearing debris, dredging clogged channels and pulling down buildings said to be blocking drainage paths.
The governor said the operation would not spare any illegal developments along riparian land and urged those affected to move out before enforcement teams arrive.
“This is a continuous exercise. We have to protect lives and property by making sure our rivers can flow as they should,” Sakaja explained.
Among the areas marked for action are Kirichwa in Kilimani, parts of Westlands, sections of the central business district and downstream stretches along the Nairobi River.
At the same time, teams drawn from different agencies have been sent to open up blocked drains and fix roads damaged by recent rains. County officials say updates on the progress will be shared every week.
Sakaja also raised concern over what he described as weak compliance with building approvals, blaming some developers for putting up structures that do not match approved plans. He called on regulators, including the National Construction Authority, to step up oversight.
Officials from the Nairobi Rivers Commission said the clean-up is being carried out along major river corridors, starting from Kabete Dam through City Park to Mathare. Commissioner Mumo Musuva said encroached sections are being cleared and marked out for restoration.