Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has warned planning officers and surveyors over approvals for unlawful developments on riparian land. He assured they will be held accountable as demolitions of structures along waterways continue. He urged residents in high-risk areas to relocate amid ongoing heavy rains.
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja spoke during a church service at PCEA Evergreen Parish in Westlands on Sunday. He defended the ongoing demolitions of structures along waterways as part of a strategy to restore natural drainage systems and prevent loss of life and property.
"Many people are currently losing parts of their property after receiving approvals and building on riparian land and floodplains. Whether this happened years ago or recently, planners and surveyors are expected to adhere to development regulations," he stated.
The governor warned those opposed to the demolitions that they cannot build on waterways and then complain about floods. "People must take responsibility. You cannot block waterways and then complain about floods," he added.
Enforcement teams are reclaiming encroached riparian zones across the city, including operations in Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani. "The work to reclaim riparian land is ongoing at high speed. We are recovering many areas, and as the rains continue, more structures built on riparian land are being identified and removed," Sakaja said. He called on residents in high-risk areas like Grogan to relocate, stating "this is not about politics; it is about safety and saving lives."