By Dorothy Musyoka
The government expresses gratitude for the public’s cooperation in the ongoing efforts to relocate individuals from the riparian corridors within the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem.
This action is deemed necessary due to the significant risk to their lives, as evidenced by the recent severe flooding witnessed in most parts of the country last month.
“The Government notes with appreciation the cooperation of members of the public on the ongoing programme to evacuate persons whose presence on riparian corridors within the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem poses grave danger to their lives as witnessed during the torrential flooding last month,” noted the interior CS.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary professor Kithure Kindiki via his X formerly Twitter platform, 40,000 households comprising 181,000 persons have voluntarily relocated from the riparian reserves of Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong’ Rivers, and other mini tributaries of the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem.
The households will see the government’s support and benefit from other government development programmes.
“The Government has already honoured the pledge to support each household with Ksh.10,000 per household to support them settle on alternative rental premises. The families will be given first priority in the Affordable Housing Programme,” stated Kindiki.
The interior CS warned that “Erecting buildings and structures within the 30-metre riparian corridor is prohibited in law, clogs the rivers, and exposes dwellers on riparian reserves to grave danger of loss of life and property.”
However joint efforts to prevent re-encroachment and restore the riparian reserves destroyed by floods in the Nairobi ecosystem are underway.
“The Government will utilise paid labour from local community and purchase seedlings from local Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and youth groups in the reclamation and regeneration of the riparian corridor ecosystem,” read the CS’s statement in part.
Following that, the Nairobi Rivers will undergo a comprehensive process of unclogging, draining, and restoration. Recreation facilities will be installed on both sides of the riparian reserves, offering free access and use to the public.
“The reclamation of Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem will boost security for communities living around, eliminate the menace of illicit alcohol brewing, narcotic drugs peddling, and flush out dangerous criminals who were using the encroached riparian corridors as their hideouts,” noted the interior CS.
CS Kindiki toured ongoing reclamation, rehabilitation and regeneration works on various sections of the Nairobi Rivers Corridor. Nairobi security officials led by Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza were also present.