Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has cautioned planning officers and surveyors who permitted illegal constructions on riparian zones, declaring that these officials will face consequences, as the county escalates efforts to mitigate flooding.
Addressing congregants at PCEA Evergreen Parish in Westlands during a Sunday service on April 3, Sakaja justified the continued destruction of buildings near waterways, explaining that these measures are part of a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate natural drainage channels and avert additional casualties and damage.
“Numerous individuals are now losing portions of their investments after securing permits and constructing on riparian territories and flood-prone areas. Regardless of when these approvals were granted, planners and surveyors must comply with established development standards,” he emphasized.
Simultaneously, the governor cautioned those resisting the demolition operations, pointing out that it is illogical to construct on water channels and then protest against flooding consequences.
“Citizens must assume accountability. One cannot obstruct water paths and then express grievances about resulting floods,” he added.
The governor additionally disclosed that enforcement units are systematically reclaiming encroached riparian zones throughout the metropolis, with current operations underway in multiple locations, such as Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani.
As reported by the governor, structures are being removed as the enforcement initiative broadens in scope.
“The effort to restore riparian land is proceeding rapidly. We are reclaiming numerous regions, and with the persistent rainfall, additional constructions on riparian territories are being detected and eliminated,” he observed, stressing that no violator will escape the enforcement drive.
Sakaja urged inhabitants in vulnerable regions, including informal communities like Grogan, to evacuate, cautioning that remaining in flood-endangered areas is endangering human lives.
“In locations such as Grogan, we are experiencing fatalities. This situation should not continue. Residents cannot persist in inhabiting hazardous environments. This issue transcends politicsit concerns safety and preservation of human life,” he stated.
His remarks arrive amidst ongoing heavy rainfall affecting Nairobi and various regions of the nation.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has maintained issuing alerts to Kenyan citizens, with recent projections suggesting increased intensity of torrential downpours.