Governor Sakaja Orders Demolition of Illegal Riverbank Structures to Tackle Nairobi Flooding
The directive follows the submission of a 48-hour action report by the Infrastructure Subcommittee under the intergovernmental cooperation framework, marking the start of what county officials describe as a large-scale enforcement and restoration exercise.
Speaking in Westlands during an inspection and demolition exercise near Westgate Shopping Mall, Sakaja said the county government had moved swiftly from planning to implementation.
“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,” he said.
The ongoing operation is targeting developments that have encroached on waterways, significantly reducing their capacity to handle stormwater. Authorities cited cases where rivers had been narrowed into small culverts, worsening flood risks during heavy rains.
“Here at Westgate, an entire river had been confined into a small culvert. We are reopening it to restore proper water flow,” Sakaja said.
Heavy machinery has since been deployed along sections of the Nairobi River and its tributaries to clear debris, dredge channels, and demolish structures blocking natural drainage systems.
The governor emphasized that the exercise is part of a broader effort to manage urban risk and protect residents, noting that cities must balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
“The city has to be able to look after the needs of the population and infrastructure while also managing risk,” Sakaja said, contrasting Nairobi’s urban challenges with natural, undeveloped environments.
The demolition and relocation exercise is expected to continue across multiple flood-prone areas as the county intensifies efforts to restore riparian reserves and prevent future disasters.
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