Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures along riverbanks and the relocation of occupants on riparian land, marking the start of an aggressive flood mitigation campaign across the city.
The directive follows the submission of a 48-hour action report by the Infrastructure Subcommittee under the Implementation Committee on the Cooperation Agreement, which Sakaja chairs.
Speaking during an inspection and demolition exercise in the Westlands area near Westgate, the governor said the plan had moved swiftly from strategy to execution.
“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,” Sakaja said.
The ongoing operation targets structures that have obstructed natural waterways, significantly reducing their capacity to manage heavy rainfall. In some cases, rivers have been narrowed into undersized culverts, exacerbating flood risks.
“Here at Westgate, an entire river had been confined into a small culvert. We are reopening it to restore proper water flow,” he said.
Heavy machinery has already been deployed in several parts of the city to clear debris, dredge clogged waterways, and remove unauthorized developments.
Authorities say the works are part of a sustained intervention rather than a one-time exercise.
“This is not a one-off exercise. It is a sustained effort to reclaim our rivers and prevent further loss of life and property,” Sakaja added.
The county government has identified multiple hotspots for enforcement, including Kirichwa in Kilimani, sections of Westlands, parts of the central business district, and downstream stretches along the Nairobi River.
Residents and developers occupying riparian land have been urged to vacate voluntarily ahead of enforcement measures.
The governor warned that all illegal structures along waterways will be removed without exception.
In parallel with the demolitions, multi-agency teams have been mobilized to unblock drainage systems and carry out urgent road repairs in flood-prone areas.
Weekly progress reports will be compiled to track implementation and ensure accountability.
Sakaja also pointed to systemic challenges contributing to Nairobi’s flooding crisis, including illegal dumping and non-compliance with approved building plans.
“Approvals are granted in line with the law, but some developers deviate from approved plans. This is a shared responsibility that must be addressed,” he said, calling on regulators such as the National Construction Authority to tighten enforcement.
Meanwhile, Mumo Musuva of the Nairobi Rivers Commission confirmed that coordinated operations are underway along major river corridors.
“We are working from Kabete Dam through City Park to Mathare, clearing riparian zones and reclaiming encroached areas,” Musuva said.
He noted that key sections in Westlands, Kirichwa, and the upper Nairobi River have already been demarcated for restoration.
Authorities have cautioned that continued heavy rains could worsen flooding if mitigation measures are not sustained.
They reiterated their commitment to enforcing the plan, saying the interventions are critical to safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and property in the capital.
