Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Aden Duale has renewed the war on reclaiming land along the Nairobi River.

The bid which has often encountered opposition from some quotas, is now taking a new course with CS Duale warning landlords and other property owners.

Appearing to a National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining chaired by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Duale indicated that no one would be spared irrespective of their status and value of their property.

“Environment CS Duale says Government will reclaim all riparian land along Nairobi rivers regardless of who owns the encroached structures,” the Ministry of Environment posted on their X platform.

This was after it emerged that some property owners were undermining the process of reclaiming riparian land thus derailing the efforts of restoring the Nairobi River.

Defends relocation

At the same time, CS Duale defended the Kenya Kwanza’s administration move to relocate hundreds of families living along the Nairobi River.

The former leader of the Majority side in Parliament told the MPs that 47 people lost their lives thus prompting the government to intervene to prevent further loss of lives.

“Environment CS Duale says relocation of households along Nairobi rivers was lawful, humane and in the best interest of wananchi following the death of 47 people to floods in the city,” the Ministry of Environment added.

With the government prioritising restoration works along the Nairobi River, Duale emphasised that Kenya Kwanza’s flagship Climate Worx Mtaani initiative was in course.

Under the initiative, the Nairobi River is expected to be restored in the next two years.

His remarks echo what President William Ruto said after a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Ruto vowed to support the initiative and ensure the river is fully restored.