Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has issued orders for the demolition of houses built illegally along riparian land near Nairobi rivers, followed by directives for rebuilding. The directive affects all residents within 30 meters of the Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi rivers. Kindiki has instructed Nairobi County and Regional Security Teams to work in conjunction with the National Disaster Operation Center (NDOC) and the Nairobi City County Government to ensure that residents living near rivers vacate their homes immediately.
In a statement on Thursday, the CS emphasized that those refusing to relocate will be required to evacuate. Kindiki reiterated that once owners or occupants have moved to safer areas, the structures will be demolished promptly.
"The National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) has directed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to collaborate with the Nairobi City County Government and the Multi-agency Team to guarantee the immediate vacation or mandatory evacuation of all individuals within the 30-meter riparian land along the Nairobi Rivers (Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi Rivers)." Kindiki continued, "After that, they will supervise the removal of all buildings and structures within the riparian land as well as the planning corridor."
He emphasized that all individuals affected by the demolition and evacuation order will receive temporary housing, food, and essential supplies through the government's established measures. The directive covers every Kenyan residing within 30 meters of riparian land across rivers and other water bodies nationwide.
Kindiki specified that everyone must relocate by 6:30 PM on Thursday, the 24th.
He announced that following the expiration of the grace period, the government would enforce a compulsory daytime evacuation from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
"All people living within the 30-meter riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the country are ordered to leave immediately, and in any case, within 24 hours, effective today, May 2, 2024 at 1830 hours. Failure to do so will subject them to mandatory evacuation for their safety, and their premises, whether for public or private use, shall be removed," the statement reads. This order is made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Kenyan Constitution and National Land Legislation.
In his statement, Kindiki also mentioned that 178 dams in the nation are either completely or almost completely full.
He ordered everyone who lived close to the dams or water reservoirs to leave the area right away.
"In addition, other dams or water reservoirs across the nation that may not be posing a risk at this time but could do so in the event of further precipitation are to be continuously monitored by the County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs)," he stated.
