The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) has issued over 300 enforcement notices targeting buildings on riparian land along the Nairobi River, as part of an ongoing multi-agency drive to restore encroached waterways. Commissioner Mumo Musava detailed the progress and expansion plans in a May 4 interview.
NRC Commissioner Mumo Musava, in an interview on Citizen TV on Monday, May 4, announced that a multi-agency team has mapped and marked affected areas, particularly around Kirichwa Kubwa along the Nairobi River.
"So far, we have mapped the affected areas and are progressing with a multi-agency effort to demarcate riparian zones. We have already issued over 300 notices along the Nairobi River and its tributary, Kirichwa Kubwa. We are yet to extend the exercise to Kirichwa Ndogo, the Mathare River, Parklands areas, and sections of the Ngong River," Musava stated.
The notices precede demolitions to reclaim the land, following a legal process informed by court rulings. Affected parties have opportunities for response and public participation.
"There is a process we are following. We must comply with fair administrative action processes, notify people, engage them through public participation, and provide recourse before enforcement is done," he said. "Where there is no justification or reason for structures to be there, enforcement and demolition should start any time from now."
This builds on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's recent warnings to planning officials for past illegal approvals, as the county escalates its crackdown amid heavy rains and flood risks.