Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has reaffirmed his commitment to continue with the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, despite opposition, as the county intensifies efforts to address flooding and environmental risks in the city.
Speaking during a church service in Gikomba, Sakaja said the initiative will include clearing river channels and relocating families living along riverbanks, which he described as a necessary step to safeguard lives and restore order in affected areas.
The governor noted that persistent flooding in Nairobi has continued to pose serious threats to both lives and property, warning that failure to act could lead to more devastating consequences.
“We must make tough decisions. Even if this problem has existed for over a century, we must address it now,” Sakaja said, emphasising the urgency of the intervention.
He urged residents living along river corridors to relocate voluntarily, noting that the government is prioritising their safety as well as the long-term success of the river restoration programme. He added that in cases where residents fail to move, enforcement measures may be taken to ensure compliance.
Sakaja defended the plan by pointing to Nairobi’s historical planning challenges, saying that concerns about the city’s location and drainage systems date back to the early 1900s. He cited past recommendations that proposed the protection of major rivers such as Nairobi River, Ngong River, and Mathare River through designated buffer zones—guidelines that were not fully implemented.
The governor also raised alarm over the condition of Nairobi Dam, warning that rising water levels could lead to overflow or structural failure. He cautioned that such an incident would have catastrophic consequences for nearby communities.
Authorities have already identified several high-risk areas, including Kibera, Highrise, Lang’ata, South C, Mbagathi, and Madaraka, where residents have been advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
The renewed push for the river cleanup programme comes amid increased rainfall that has caused flooding in multiple parts of the city, exposing weaknesses in drainage systems and urban planning.
Sakaja maintained that the programme is not only about addressing immediate flood risks but also about securing the future of Nairobi by restoring its environment and preventing recurring disasters.
As the county moves forward with the plan, attention is now shifting to how the relocation exercise will be implemented and whether affected residents will receive adequate support during the transition.
