Nairobi Senator Sifuna files petition against forced evictions of Korogocho residents
Many residents feel that the eviction process has been rushed and handled in a way that does not respect their long-standing ties to the area.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has filed a petition in the Senate, challenging the city county’s decision to evict residents from Korogocho following the designation of the Nairobi River Corridor as a Special Planning Area.
Speaking at the Senate on Wednesday, Sifuna pointed out the lack of community involvement in this process and stressed that the residents' rights must be respected.
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"The residents of Korogocho are not against development or environmental restoration. However, they deserve fairness, dignity and a seat at the table where decisions about their lives are made," Sifuna stated during his Senate speech.
He criticised Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration's handling of the eviction process, noting that many residents, some of whom have lived in the area for decades, were not given a chance to voice their concerns before the eviction notices were issued.
While Sifuna acknowledged the potential benefits of the Nairobi River Corridor initiative, such as environmental restoration and flood hazard mitigation, he argued that these goals should not come at the expense of the community's dignity.
The petition, which has garnered over 30 signatures from local residents, highlights several grievances, including inadequate public participation, intimidation during eviction efforts, and unresolved compensation claims.
According to the petitioners, despite repeated attempts to engage with the Nairobi City County Government and the County Executive Committee, their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
Rushed
Many residents feel that the eviction process has been rushed and handled in a way that does not respect their long-standing ties to the area.
"It is unacceptable that a community is evicted without adequate notice, public participation, or clarity on compensation," Sifuna noted.
The petition also draws attention to the lack of clear plans for resettling displaced residents and the ongoing frustration with the county’s lack of transparency regarding compensation.
The affected residents are seeking a resolution that includes humane eviction processes, fair compensation, and more meaningful community involvement in planning decisions that affect their lives.
The petition has been referred to the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources for further consideration.
The committee is expected to review the petition and explore the residents’ concerns regarding the county’s handling of land-use planning and environmental restoration efforts.
Earlier in March, the Nairobi City County Government issued a public notice inviting feedback on the proposed evictions, detailing the creation of a 60-meter buffer zone along the river, which would include a 30-meter riparian corridor and an additional 30-meter development area.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to improve the river's environmental health, manage flood risks, and facilitate the redevelopment of surrounding land.
However, Sifuna and the Korogocho residents insist that any changes should involve their active participation and consideration of their needs.
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