Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has requested political tranquility while his administration takes decisive action to address the city’s escalating flood situation, vowing that negligent planning officials will face consequences.
Addressing congregants at PCEA Evergreen Parish in Westlands on Sunday, Sakaja announced that the County is heightening its ongoing campaign against unauthorized constructions on river reserves, with clearance and recovery operations already in progress throughout various locations.
He disclosed that multiple encroached territories have already been restored, with operations now targeting additional critical zones including Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani.
“The reclamation of riparian land is proceeding with urgency. We are reclaiming numerous sections, and as the rainfall persists, more establishments situated on waterway buffers are being detected and eliminated,” Sakaja stated.
“This operation continues without exceptions.”
Sakaja explicitly attributed unlawful building practices and inadequate urban planning to Nairobi’s intensifying flood problems, noting that unrestricted development on water courses perpetuates the emergency.
“We confront significant inundation difficulties, not only in Nairobi but nationwide, including Tana River. Citizens must assume accountability. You cannot obstruct natural water paths and then express grievances about flooding,” he noted.
Concurrently, the governor indicated stringent measures against planning authorities who sanctioned developments on river buffers and hazard-prone regions.
“Numerous residents are currently forfeiting portions of their assets after obtaining permits and constructing on river reserves and inundation zones. Regardless of when these approvals were granted, planners and surveyors must comply with established development standards,” he emphasized.
“In locations such as Grogan, we are losing lives. This situation cannot be tolerated. Individuals cannot continue residing in perilous areas. This is not a political matterit concerns public welfare and preserving human lives,” Sakaja added.
The Governor also advised against politicizing developmental initiatives, specifically mentioning the ongoing modernization of Gikomba Market, which he affirmed is scheduled for completion within six months.
“Disregard politicians who disregard your self-respect. The market project is advancing and seeks to enhance occupational environments and restore honor to merchants,” he said.
Amid increasing political discord, Sakaja denounced recent violent incidents at public assemblies and urged moderation among political figures.
“We require peace, stability, and mutual respect. Violence is not the solution. As leaders, we must persistently reduce political polarization and foster unity. In a democratic society, we may hold differing views, but we must acknowledge each other’s right to expression,” he remarked.
He affirmed that the County remains dedicated to executing measuresfrom river reserve restoration to infrastructure enhancementsas part of the initiative to establish a more secure and adaptable Nairobi.”