Sakaja warns of mass demolitions along Nairobi waterways to curb flooding
By Kiprono Keileb, March 16, 2026Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has said the county will begin demolishing structures built along waterways as part of emergency efforts to prevent flooding in the city. Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the move after heavy rains exposed blocked drainage channels and encroached river corridors across several estates.
Governor Sakaja said during a press conference on Monday, March 16, 2026, that clearing the waterways is necessary to restore natural river flow and reduce the risk of flooding in residential areas. The announcement comes after several parts of Nairobi experienced rising water levels following recent downpours.
Governor Sakaja said many of the flooding incidents being witnessed in the city are linked to illegal construction on riparian land and drainage paths that were meant to remain open.
“People have built structures on the waterways. We will demolish all the structures along the waterways starting this week. You will see us opening these areas this week,” Sakaja stated.
The governor explained that the county will begin opening blocked river channels immediately, noting that action cannot be delayed because more rain is expected in the coming weeks.
“This is a critical step in restoring the natural flow of our rivers and preventing recurrent flooding,” he stated.
Sakaja acknowledged that the demolitions may affect some residents and property owners but insisted that the county must take decisive steps to prevent further disasters.
“We must remember that these are delayed short rains, the long rains have not yet come, and so painful decisions must be made, though actions must be taken, and I am sure we will have the goodwill of the public as we open up these places,” he firmly stated.
He further pointed out that some of the structural damage already witnessed during the rains has been caused by buildings and walls constructed directly on waterways.
“A lot of walls that have fallen are not because of anything other than them being on the waterways, and so we need to open up,” he added.
According to the governor, the county government has already begun mobilising teams and equipment to begin clearing the affected areas.
“You will see us mobilising resources, and we shall go to the ground,” Sakaja stated.
The governor stated that the exercise will target structures that block rivers, streams and drainage channels across Nairobi. The county government is also urging residents to cooperate with authorities and avoid building on riparian land in the future.