‘There Will Be No Mass Expulsion!’ – Gov’t Assures Residents Along Nairobi River
People living along the Nairobi River’s banks have been promised that no mass evictions will occur in the new developments that will revitalize and beautify the corridor.
The Nairobi River Corridor Special Planning Area (SPA), gazetted in March by the city-county, extends from Naivasha Road to Ruai and includes all river tributaries. Completion is expected in 2027.
Architect Mumo Musuva, vice-chairman of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, stated that the SPA project focuses on urban redevelopment with dignity rather than forced removal.
“Let me be clear: this is not about demolitions or evictions,” Musuva said in an interview with the Star.
“The SPA process ensures all affected individuals are treated respectfully, and solutions are applied fairly across all communities while upholding rights to safe and sustainable living environments,” an SPA fact sheet reads. Musuva said the project goes beyond simple restoration.
“Our vision is to transform the Nairobi River into a vibrant corridor, where you can walk from the city centre all the way to Eastleigh malls briskly along a scenic riverfront walkway,” he said.
“This is about creating healthy, safe and green public spaces that will uplift the whole city.”
The project will include extending the river and improving the riverside.
Today, NRC hosted Akiba Mashinani Trust, led by Executive Director Jane Weru, for a consultative meeting at NRC boardroom. NRC CEO Brig.(Rtd) Joseph Muracia & Commissioners were present. Discussions focused on collaboration along the #NgongRiver. #RiverRegeneration pic.twitter.com/EnD697c88X
— Nairobi Rivers Commission (@nairobi_rivers) April 25, 2025
The development zone will include a 54-kilometre sewer system on both banks of the river, as well as markets and communal housing.
According to a notification issued last month by Environment CEC Patrick Mbogo, the designated area will include a 60-metre buffer zone beyond the high-water line on both sides of the river.
This region consists of a 30-metre riparian corridor and an additional 30-metre development area.
Musuva stated that the SPA designation initiated a two-year systematic, transparent, and collaborative planning process.
“The creation of riverfront parks would go a long way in enhancing the quality of life in cities by providing green spaces for recreation, relaxation and social interaction,” it reads.
He compared the proposed makeover to the success of the John Michuki Memorial Park, which cleaned and revitalized a dirty stretch of the Nairobi River, transforming it into a lush, vibrant public area.
According to the commission’s project paper, the Nairobi River Corridor development will include “green infrastructure such as wetlands and riparian buffers”.
This will help filter pollutants, prevent flooding and provide recreational spaces. Musuva said public fears of mass evictions have been exacerbated by misinformation.
The project fact sheet reads: “The Special Planning Area Notice is not a notice to demolish existing residential settlements or relocate residents to pave way for the Social and Affordable Housing Programme.”
Musuva addressed the concerns of private property owners, saying, “The SPA does not override valid land title deeds.
“Owners of legally acquired property within the planning corridor will be fully engaged and supported to improve their properties, not stripped of them.”
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He emphasised that the SPA notice was not a notice of annexation or demolition. The need for the SPA is driven by decades of environmental degradation, unregulated development, and severe flooding.
The commission document highlights that “unregulated developments and encroachment of the river riparian land is not limited to informal settlements and affects neighbourhoods across all income levels”.
This contributes to loss of life, property destruction, and environmental collapse.
“Flooding, pollution, and loss of natural habitats have been devastating,” Musuva said.
“Our rivers have become health hazards rather than community assets. We must act urgently but also carefully.”
‘There Will Be No Mass Expulsion!’ – Gov’t Assures Residents Along Nairobi River
