Government Defends Ongoing Demolitions Along Nairobi’s Riparian Land
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale, faced intense scrutiny today during a National Assembly session addressing the ongoing demolitions in informal settlements along the Nairobi and Mathare rivers.
Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, Duale was challenged by MPs representing affected areas, including Hon. TJ Kajwang’ (Ruaraka) and Hon. Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), who questioned the government’s approach to resettling displaced residents.
Duale defended the demolitions, stating, “All those living along riparian land across the city of Nairobi must vacate regardless of their social class.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future tragedies, referencing recent flooding that resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals. “In the next 18 months, Nairobi River will be something to be proud of. This is the president’s commitment,” he asserted.
The MPs expressed concerns about the fairness and legality of the demolitions, with Kajwang’ labeling the government’s actions as “painful and selective.” He criticized the relocation efforts, highlighting that many residents were moved over 30 meters from the river without a clear resettlement plan. “Go to Kileleshwa, and you’ll see tall buildings right beside the river,” he added.
Duale also addressed the establishment of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, which he claimed was officially formed through a Gazette Notice in December 2022, underlining its role in reclaiming the city’s rivers.
Concerns regarding compensation were raised by Committee members, Hon. Beatrice Kemei (Kericho) and Hon. Titus Lotee (Kacheliba), who criticized the government’s provision of Ksh 10,000 to affected families as insufficient. They called for a detailed report on the total costs associated with the resettlement efforts.
In a separate matter, Duale responded to queries about a proposed nuclear power plant project in Kilifi North, clarifying that there was no such project and that the Kenya Meteorological Department had simply set up weather equipment in that area.
The Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), is expected to conduct site visits to gather further insights into the situation and assess the government’s ongoing efforts to manage the environmental and humanitarian challenges along Nairobi’s rivers.
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