Nairobi residents protest county's plans for 60-metre river buffer zone

Property owners along the Nairobi River are facing an uncertain future following a recent notice issued by the Nairobi City County government, which declares a 60-metre buffer zone along the river as a special planning area.

The notice, dated March 6, outlines the intention to extend the existing 30-metre riparian boundary by another 30 metres, affecting properties from Naivasha Road to Ruai.

In the public notice, the Nairobi County executive for Built Environment and Urban Planning, Patrick Mbogo, stated that the Ministry of Lands was behind this move, which aims to create a Local Physical Development and Land Use Plan.

This expanded zone will be used for river regeneration, flood mitigation, and the construction of affordable housing. The plan is also expected to include infrastructure development and land redevelopment.

The news has sparked frustration among affected residents, particularly those who hold title deeds for their properties.

"We already have title deeds to these pieces of land, and we own them legally," said Regina Njeri, a local resident in Riruta Muslim Village.

Many are concerned that the government’s plans to redevelop the area could lead to forced evictions without compensation.

The development plan has drawn opposition from residents, who are demanding answers.

David Kata, another resident, expressed his anger: "We just saw them coming here and putting beacons; that's when we got alarmed. This is where our fathers and great-grandfathers were buried. We are not going to move an inch."

In response to these concerns, Mbogo assured that compensation would be provided to those affected by the plan.

He also emphasized that any future construction along the river corridors would be subject to compliance with the new regulations.

However, this reassurance has not calmed the fears of some residents, especially those who believe their properties are being unfairly targeted.

The issue has gained political traction as well, with Martha Karua, leader of the People's Liberation Party, vowing to challenge the plan in court and on the streets.

"We remind the Nairobi City County Government that the conversion of private property into public land is a function of the National Land Commission," Karua stated.