City residents living along Nairobi River assured of new homes, not evictions under revitalisation plan
Mumo Musuva, the vice-chairman of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, made it clear that the project would not result in the displacement of local residents.
Residents living along the Nairobi River have been assured that they will not be forced to leave their homes as part of the city's plan to revitalise the river and its surrounding areas.
The Nairobi River Corridor Special Planning Area (SPA), which spans from Naivasha Road to Ruai, is set to bring a fresh wave of development, with completion expected by 2027. The project aims to not only transform the river into a vibrant corridor but also to improve the living standards of people who have long lived alongside it.
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Mumo Musuva, the vice-chairman of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, made it clear that the project would not result in the displacement of local residents.
“Let me be clear: this is not about demolitions or evictions,” Musuva said in an interview with the Star. “Our focus is on urban renewal with dignity, not forced displacements.”
For many people living along the river, the promise of a new beginning comes as a welcome change.
Those residing within the 30-metre riparian buffer will be offered newly constructed affordable homes nearby, with priority given to them for ownership.
“They will have the first right to own these homes,” underscoring that the community would benefit directly from the changes, Musuva added.
Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on October 10, 2024, inspects a section of the Nairobi River that passes through the Nairobi Arboretum. (Photo: Ministry of Environment)
Green spaces
Beyond housing, the project will also bring major improvements to the area. The Nairobi River will be expanded, and its surroundings will be transformed into green, attractive spaces.
A 54-kilometre sewer line will be constructed on both sides of the river, alongside new markets and social housing to serve the growing population.
A 60-metre buffer zone will be established along the river, which will include both the riparian corridor and an additional 30-metre development zone.
This will ensure that local communities continue to live close to the river while benefiting from the planned improvements.
In a notice issued last month, Environment CEC Patrick Mbogo confirmed that the SPA area would cover this 60-metre zone. Musuva, who has been at the forefront of the planning process, stressed that the project would unfold over two years and would follow a transparent and inclusive approach.
“The SPA process ensures all affected individuals are treated respectfully, and solutions are applied fairly while upholding rights to safe and sustainable living environments,” he said.
Musuva further elaborated on the broader vision of the project, which goes beyond just cleaning up the river. “Our vision is to transform the Nairobi River into a vibrant corridor, where you can walk from the city centre to Eastleigh malls briskly along a scenic riverfront walkway,” he said. His vision is of a place where people can enjoy safe, green public spaces that would improve both the environment and the city’s overall livability.
He likened the project’s potential to the success of the John Michuki Memorial Park, which transformed a polluted section of the Nairobi River into a clean, vibrant public area.
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