People living on the Nairobi River’s banks have been assured that no mass evictions will take place in the new developments revitalising and beautifying the corridor.
The Nairobi River Corridor Special Planning Area (SPA), gazetted in March by the city-county, covers a wide area from Naivasha Road to Ruai, incorporating all river tributaries. Completion is expected by 2027.
Architect Mumo Musuva, the vice-chairman of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, said the SPA project is focused on urban renewal with dignity, not forced displacements.
“Let me be clear: this is not about demolitions or evictions,” Musuva said in an interview with the Star.
“Residents living within the 30-metre riparian buffer will be supported to move into newly built affordable housing projects nearby. They will have the first right to own these homes. For landlords within the additional 30-metre development zone, we will work with them to upgrade and maximise the value of their properties facing the beautified river.”
The project will involve expanding the river, and beautifying the riverfront. There will be a 54-kilometre sewer line on both sides of the river, markets and social housing in the development zone.
A notice issued last month by Environment CEC Patrick Mbogo, indicated the designated area will cover a 60-metre buffer zone beyond the high-water mark on each side of the river.
This area comprises a 30-metre riparian corridor and an additional 30-metre development area.
Musuva said the SPA designation set in motion a structured, transparent and participatory planning process spanning two years.
"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."
He likened the planned transformation to the success of the the John Michuki Memorial Park, which cleaned and revitalised 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 feature “green infrastructure such as wetlands and riparian buffers” to filter pollutants, prevent flooding and provide recreational spaces.
“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.
Musuva said: "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to heal the rivers, protect our people from floods, and create a Nairobi we can all be proud of. Let’s not squander it."
