Controversial Kilimani Construction Site Closed After Public Pressure
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has shut down a contentious construction site on Likoni Lane.
The Authority issued a notice on Wednesday, January 22, stating that the facility, which belongs to a Chinese corporation, has been closed until further notice.
The land in issue is part of a projected 17-story residential structure in the capital’s Kilimani neighbourhood that will contain two to four-bedroom homes.
“The Director General of NEMA has today directed the closure of the said site with immediate effect until further notice,” reads part of the notice.
Press Release: Closure of a construction site-Likoni Lane, Off Dennis Pritt Road @citizentvkenya @KBCChannel1 @StandardKenya @TheStarKenya @PeopleDailyKe @NationBreaking @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @Tv47Newske pic.twitter.com/jrzvSqbBDM
— NEMA Kenya (@NemaKenya) January 22, 2025
The location was the centre of controversy early last year when homeowners accused the corporation of working at weird hours.
Residents also claimed the corporation was expanding on riparian land, which the company rejected.
Residents posted footage on Twitter and Facebook showing walls crumbling as a result of the demolitions at the location.
“No protective measures for the neighbouring properties as required by law, in their rush to begin construction with their corruptly acquired permits,” read one post from January 28, 2024.
In May, the Nairobi Professional and Residents Group held rallies against illegal development approvals and forced evictions in Nairobi.
“We have been prompted to take action to put a stop to marauding rogue developers and corrupt public officials who have turned planning and development into their illegal cash cow, causing the loss of lives, homes, livelihoods, physical and mental health, devaluation of property values, and untold damage to the environment,” read part of the residents’ petition.
As a result, Governor Johnson Sakaja directed that all building development approvals be suspended until a new evaluation.
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“All building development approvals have been halted for now until we can review all those that have been issued and are continuing in the city,” he said.
Residents, on the other hand, continued to protest that the site was moving at a rapid pace. The occupants now have a reprieve, as the site has been shut down.
NEMA stated that it will be conducting investigations into the site.
“Meanwhile, the Authority will undertake an immediate assessment of the said site for appropriate corrective action to protect our environment and public health,” NEMA said.
Controversial Kilimani Construction Site Closed After Public Pressure
