By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The government has revealed its grand plan to prevent re-encroachment of the reclaimed riparian reserves within Nairobi County.
For the last few weeks, the government has been evicting locals who were illegally living within the reserves.
The move is aimed at averting future floods within informal settlements in the city-county as it has been the recent case.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki on Friday said part of the plan involves fencing the said areas.
In an update on his verified handle, Kindiki further said trees will be planted in the riparian reserves as well as the Nairobi River ecosystem.
“To prevent re-encroachment, the reclaimed riparian reserves are being trenched, fenced and the planting of riverine ecosystem trees is underway,” the CS said.
“The Government will utilise paid labour from the local community and purchase seedlings from local Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and youth groups in the reclamation and regeneration of the riparian corridor ecosystem,” he added.
Meanwhile, the CS noted that at least 40,000 households have so far voluntarily relocated from the riparian reserves.
He also noted that the government has honoured the pledge to support each of the affected households with Ksh10,000.
The funds are to support them settle on alternative rental premises.
“40,000 households comprising 181,000 persons have voluntarily relocated from the riparian reserves of Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong Rivers, and other mini tributaries of the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem,” CS Kindiki said.
“The families will be given first priority in the Affordable Housing Program,” he added.
Meanwhile, the government maintains that erecting buildings and structures within the 30-metre riparian corridor is prohibited in law as it clogs the rivers, and exposes dwellers on riparian reserves to grave danger of loss of life and property.
“The reclamation of Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem will boost security for communities living around, eliminate the menace of illicit alcohol brewing, narcotic drugs peddling, and flush out dangerous criminals who were using the encroached riparian corridors as their hideouts, Kindiki added.
He spoke on Friday, May 24, 2024, after touring the ongoing reclamation, rehabilitation and regeneration works on various sections of the Nairobi Rivers Corridor.