State House wall marked for demolition in Nairobi River plan
State House wall marked for demolition in Nairobi River plan
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Tuesday led a multi-agency team to mark a section of the State House perimeter wall for demolition, citing encroachment on riparian land as part of efforts to reclaim Nairobi’s waterways.
The exercise, conducted alongside officials from the Nairobi River Commission and the national administration, signals the start of enforcement actions under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme targeting structures built along riverbanks.
Sakaja said the decision followed consultations between State House and agencies implementing the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.
“I want to thank the President. He is the primary tenant here and has led by example. If this wall at State House can come down, then every other structure along the riparian land must also be removed,” Sakaja said.
The governor framed the move as part of a broader enforcement effort targeting developments along riparian reserves, which have long been blamed for narrowing waterways and contributing to flooding and pollution in the city.
Officials said the demolition at State House is expected to set a precedent for similar action across the city, where structures built on riparian land have faced repeated scrutiny but uneven enforcement.
The Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which is being implemented jointly by national and county governments, includes restoration of river channels, relocation of affected developments and rehabilitation of surrounding infrastructure.
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According to Sakaja, the programme also seeks to introduce non-motorised transport corridors along the rivers.
“We are restoring the Nairobi River, creating walkways, reclaiming riparian land, and transforming the city. The walkways will serve as transport corridors where people can walk or cycle safely, with lighting and security,” he said.
He added that the long-term plan is to link different parts of the city through the river corridors, easing movement while improving environmental conditions.
Authorities said the project has been allocated more than Sh50 billion, covering river restoration works, construction of pedestrian paths and development of public spaces.
Some of the planned projects include upgrades around Globe Roundabout and construction of a modern Gikomba Market, while public participation forums are ongoing in areas such as Westlands.
Officials also pointed to previous interventions along the Kibagare River, where land was reclaimed, and a public park is under development.
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