Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has said that the government will now establish recreational facilities on reclaimed riparian land along the Nairobi Rivers corridor.
Speaking on Friday, Kindiki said the facilities will be free to access by members of the public.
He said that the rehabilitation and regeneration works on the reclaimed spaces are currently ongoing. The works include fencing and planting of trees.
"The Nairobi Rivers will be unclogged, drained, and rehabilitated, with recreation facilities being established on both sides of the riparian reserves for access and use by members of the public for free," Kindiki said.
"To prevent re-encroachment, the reclaimed riparian reserves are being trenched, fenced and the planting of riverine ecosystem trees is underway."
During the Friday visit, the Interior CS stated that the government has contracted the services of community-based organisations (CBOs) and youth groups from host communities to spearhead the rehabilitation.
He noted that reclaiming the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem will boost security for communities living around it.
"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 using the encroached riparian corridors as their hideouts."
Kindiki said over 40,000 households voluntarily relocated from riparian land near the Nairobi Rivers. The households comprised over 181,000 people.
"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," Kindiki said.
The CS insisted that erecting buildings and structures within the 30-metre riparian corridor is prohibited by law.
Kindiki said the affected families will be given priority in the allocation of the Affordable Housing Programme.
