Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has stood by his plan to restore the Nairobi River, declaring that the county will press on with clearing waterways and reclaiming riparian land, even in the face of pushback.
Sakaja called on those living on riverbanks to move out voluntarily to make room for environmental cleanup and new infrastructure.
“Even if it is a problem of 130 years, we shall address it. We must make tough decisions,” he stated.
He also shared details about a new, modern market in Gikomba, which he said will support local businesses while lowering the risk of flooding.
“We have lost so many people and property, but we shall never go there again. We are saving a generation,” he said.
This push comes at a critical time, as Nairobi is currently grappling with a severe flooding crisis that has already claimed over 70 lives this month.
Tensions are particularly high in Gikomba, where traders recently protested a new government directive expanding the “no-build” riparian zone from 30 to 50 meters. Adding to the urgency, the Water Resources Authority recently warned that the Nairobi Dam is full to the brim, posing an immediate threat to those living downstream.
The governor reiterated the critical risk at Nairobi Dam, noting that the Water Resources Authority (WRA) reports the reservoir is “full to the brim.” He warned that a breach could cause a catastrophe and urged nearby residents to evacuate at once.
“This is not a time for politics. Those inciting people must understand that saving lives comes first,” Sakaja said. He added that the county is investing in drainage and sewer upgrades designed to last 50 years.
However, he insisted on taking immediate action, including forced relocations if necessary, to keep people safe.
“For those living along riverways, please move. If need be, they will be moved,” he warned.
The governor also justified the ongoing evictions and river cleanup by pointing to over a century of historical warnings about Nairobi’s flood risks. Speaking at a Pefa church service in Gikomba on Sunday, March 22, 2026, he argued that leadership requires tackling both today’s crises and deep-seated structural flaws.
Sakaja linked Nairobi’s current struggles back to the early 1900s, noting that colonial officials originally worried about building on a swampy floodplain. He cited a 1906 letter from Sir James Sadler to Winston Churchill that questioned whether Nairobi should even be the capital. He also mentioned later warnings from Sir Charles Eliot and Dr. Macdonald regarding the city’s permanent flood hazards.
Additionally, he pointed out that the 1928 Nairobi master plan had identified the Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi rivers as critical areas requiring buffer zones, though the government failed to apply these rules fairly.
“The less privileged were left in low-lying areas while the elite occupied higher grounds like Karen, Muthaiga, and Lavington,” Sakaja said, adding that the current administration is determined to correct what he described as a 130-year problem.
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