On Tuesday, Members of Parliament pressed Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale for explanations regarding the ongoing demolitions in informal settlements along riparian land in Nairobi. Appearing before the Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, CS Duale confirmed that the government had instructed all residents living on riparian land to vacate, citing the recent floods that claimed over 41 lives as a key reason for the directive.
Duale referred to President William Ruto's April 2024 assurance that the government would provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the relocation plan. "All residents along riparian land in Nairobi, regardless of their social status, must vacate to prevent further loss of life," Duale stated.
However, MPs challenged the CS’s response, questioning whether there was a clear relocation plan for the affected residents. Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang pointed out that many residents live far from rivers like Nairobi and Mathare, and criticized the lack of a structured plan. He also highlighted the perceived inconsistency, noting high-rise buildings near the river in upscale areas like Kileleshwa.
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The MPs also criticized the Ksh.10,000 compensation given to families whose homes were demolished, arguing it was insufficient for rebuilding. They requested detailed documentation on the total cost of the resettlement plan.
