Lands CS Alice Wahome has come under fire over claims of
discriminatory demolitions targeting structures along the Nairobi River, which
is currently undergoing a major government-led rehabilitation programme.
The criticism arises amid revelations that several
buildings—particularly in upstream areas—may be spared, even as mass
demolitions continue in informal settlements downstream as part of the ongoing
river restoration efforts.
Appearing before the Senate Lands Committee, Wahome
clarified that the ongoing cleanup does not focus on reclaiming riparian
reserves, but rather on areas with severe pollution.
“Our objective is to regenerate the river, not the riparian
reserve,” she told the committee, which is chaired by Mombasa Senator Mohamed
Faki.
Wahome disclosed that the Nairobi River Regeneration
Programme is being implemented in specific "design areas" along the
heavily polluted river corridor.
The government has signed a seven-year contract for the
cleanup, spearheaded by the Nairobi Rivers Commission and jointly executed by
the ministries of Housing, Environment and Defence.
The Sh50 billion initiative, launched in March 2025, is a
large-scale environmental and infrastructure intervention aimed at revitalising
the Nairobi River ecosystem and its surrounding communities.
The programme integrates; affordable housing, modern markets
and enhanced infrastructure, transforming it into a liveable and economically
vibrant city.
The initiative spans Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and
Murang’a counties, and includes river rehabilitation, flood mitigation,
sewerage installation and waste management efforts—measures designed to improve
public health and urban resilience.
Wahome said the operation targets pollution hotspots, not
geography.
“We are focusing on where there is the greatest pollution.
We are not guided by whether people live upstream or downstream,” she said.
The project aims to curb contamination from raw sewage, solid
waste, industrial effluents and poor drainage systems.
However, committee members questioned the perceived double
standards in the enforcement of demolitions—particularly in informal
settlements—while industrial and residential structures elsewhere remain
untouched.
“When we talk about riparian land, enforcement should be
uniform. All buildings and structures on the reserve should be removed,” Murang’a
Senator Joe Nyutu said.
Nyutu expressed concern about the disproportionate demolitions
targeting vulnerable communities.
“Do we have two sets of laws? Why are we only seeing
demolitions in informal areas when pollution is present along the entire
river?” he posed.
In response, Wahome reiterated that while the primary goal
is river regeneration, any structures obstructing the process—whether legal or
illegal—would be cleared.
She also revealed that the project currently employs 20,000
youth under the ClimateWorx programme, and will recruit an additional 10,000.
Furthermore, the programme includes the development of
marketplaces and social housing units, primarily for those displaced by the
demolitions.
Wahome, however, ruled out compensation for displaced
persons, noting that they do not legally own the land. Still, the government is
considering offering a token to acknowledge the disruptions caused.
Last week, President William Ruto toured parts of the
Nairobi River to assess the project’s progress. He announced the hiring of
another 20,000 youth to fast-track the cleanup exercise.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
On March 10, 2025, Ruto launched the Nairobi River
Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme to be implemented at a cost of
Sh50 billion. The project was expected to create 40,000 jobs, up from 22,000
under the Climate Worx Mtaani Initiative, besides the construction of a 60km
sewer line and 50,000 affordable houses in the reclaimed areas. During the
launch, Ruto said the government would ensure Nairobi remains clean and safe
for the residents and visitors. He described the project as a life-changing
initiative that will ensure dignified living, sustainable transport and
economic empowerment for thousands of residents.
