Only 15,000 flood-affected households yet to receive Sh10,000 compensation - Kindiki

At least 25,000 households affected by the government's directive ordering them to vacate from the Nairobi River riparian corridor have received the Sh10,000 compensation package as pledged by President William Ruto.

On Monday, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said that the 25,000 households represented nearly 62.5 per cent of the 40,000 affected by the orders.

The remaining 15,000 will receive the funds by the end of May 2024.

"The remaining households will receive theirs by the close of business on Friday, May 31, 2024," Kindiki promised and affirmed that the households will be prioritised in the ongoing affordable housing programme.

Defending the government's actions, the Interior boss argued that the Public Security (Vacation and Mandatory Evacuation) orders of May 2, 2024, were issued in the nation's interest and purely on consideration of public security and safety.

On the said day, the Interior Ministry ordered the demolition of structures and buildings illegally constructed along riparian land near Nairobi.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki visits sections of the Nairobi River Corridor on May 24, 2024 (Photo Interior Ministry)

The directive affected all those living within 30 metres of Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi rivers.

Kenyans living in riparian areas were ordered to vacate within 48 hours or face forceful eviction from May 3, 2024.

The CS directed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to work with the Nairobi City County Government and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure immediate evacuation of people living along the rivers.

However, the move faced a backlash, with human rights defenders led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission faulting the government. The rights groups claimed the demolitions were done before the government's deadline elapsed and without sufficient notice or proper consultation.

To date, demolitions are still being carried out in areas within Mathare, Kamukunji, and Starehe sub-counties in Nairobi.

Giving an update, Kindiki said the relocation exercise has proceeded smoothly, with security personnel being under strict instructions not to use violence or mistreat members of the public.

He insisted that those affected must be allowed to remove their belongings first.

"Members of the public must be allowed to vacate structures or premises that are the subject for removal and to retrieve their belongings," Kindiki added.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki assesses ongoing reclamation and rehabilitation works on various sections of the Nairobi River Corridor on May 24, 2024 (Photo: Interior Ministry)

In addition, he vowed that the Kenya Kwanza administration will pursue to the end the national interest of the reclamation, rehabilitation and regeneration of the Nairobi Rivers riparian reserves without any regard whatsoever for partisan, ethnic or other parochial interests.

Last week, the CS highlighted that the government would establish recreational facilities on reclaimed riparian land along the Nairobi Rivers that will be freely accessed by members of the public.

He said that the rehabilitation and regeneration works on the reclaimed spaces are currently ongoing, including fencing and the planting of trees.

"The Nairobi Rivers will be unclogged, drained, and rehabilitated, with recreation facilities being established on both sides of the riparian reserves for access and use by members of the public for free," Kindiki said.

"To prevent re-encroachment, the reclaimed riparian reserves are being trenched, fenced and the planting of riverine ecosystem trees is underway."

Also, CS Kindiki stated that the government has contracted the services of community-based organisations (CBOs) and youth groups from host communities to spearhead the rehabilitation. The youths will be paid for their labour.

He reiterated that reclaiming the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem will boost security for communities living around it.

"The reclamation of Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem will boost security for communities living around it, eliminate the menace of illicit alcohol brewing, narcotic drugs peddling, and flush out dangerous criminals using the encroached riparian corridors as their hideouts," Kindiki added.