Residents living along the banks of Nairobi River have been reassured that no large-scale evictions will occur as part of the ongoing developments aimed at revitalizing and beautifying the river corridor.
The Nairobi River Corridor Special Planning Area (SPA), which was gazetted by the city-county in March, covers a broad stretch of land from Naivasha Road to Ruai, including all tributaries of the river. The project, which is expected to be completed by 2027, is designed to focus on urban renewal in a way that preserves the dignity of the residents and avoids forced displacements.
Architect Mumo Musuva, who serves as the vice-chairman of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, clarified that the SPA project is about improving urban areas without resorting to demolitions or evictions. He emphasized that residents living within the 30-meter riparian buffer zone will be supported in relocating to newly constructed affordable housing in nearby areas, with these residents given the first opportunity to own the new homes. For landlords within the additional 30-meter development zone, the commission plans to work with them to enhance and increase the value of their properties that overlook the revitalized river.
The project will include the expansion of the river, along with the beautification of the riverfront. A 54-kilometer sewer line will be installed on both sides of the river, alongside the development of markets and social housing within the designated development zone.
A notice released last month by Environment CEC Patrick Mbogo outlined that the designated area will extend over a 60-meter buffer zone, which includes a 30-meter riparian corridor and an additional 30-meter development area.
Musuva explained that the designation of the SPA marks the beginning of a well-structured, transparent, and inclusive planning process that will take two years. He emphasized that the SPA process is designed to ensure all affected individuals are treated with respect and that solutions are applied fairly across all communities, while maintaining the right to safe and sustainable living conditions.
“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,” the SPA fact sheet states. Musuva also emphasized that the project aims to do more than just restore the river.
“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,” Musuva said. “This is about creating healthy, safe, and green public spaces that will uplift the entire city.”
He compared the planned transformation to the success of the John Michuki Memorial Park, which revitalized a polluted section of the Nairobi River, turning it into a lush, thriving public space.
According to the commission’s project document, the Nairobi River Corridor development will incorporate “green infrastructure such as wetlands and riparian buffers” to help filter pollutants, prevent flooding, and provide recreational spaces for the public.
“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.
Musuva said public fears of mass evictions have been exacerbated by misinformation. He emphasised that the SPA notice was not a notice of annexation or demolition.
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.”
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,” contributing 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.”
Public participation will be a cornerstone of the project. Musuva said multiple forums are gathering input from residents, landlords, community organisations, and businesses.
“We are asking Nairobians to walk this journey with us. Your ideas, your experiences and your dreams for the riverside will shape the final plan.”
After the two-year planning process, implementation will begin immediately, with full completion targeted for 2027.
The commissioner emphasised that restoring the Nairobi River corridor is crucial not only for Nairobi’s ecological health but also for its economic and social resilience.
“Efforts to restore riparian reserves will be ineffective without addressing broader urban planning deficiencies,” the project fact sheet reads.