Ministry of Lands publishes riparian reserve notice as Nairobi River cleanup intensifies

The Ministry of Lands has announced that work to clearly mark riparian reserves, wetlands, and springs along the Nairobi Rivers Corridor will begin on December 12, 2025, covering the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare rivers and their tributaries.

The exercise is part of the wider Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, which supports the Sh50 billion Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme launched by President William Ruto on March 10, 2025.

The programme is expected to create 40,000 jobs, expand sewer lines by 60km and pave the way for 50,000 affordable houses in reclaimed areas. Genuine landowners and occupiers will be required to submit ownership and planning documents within 14 days once requested.

According to the notice, the project follows Cabinet Memorandum Issue No. 6 of 2024 and aims to complete the demarcation and harmonisation of riparian reserves stretching from the source of each river.

The areas covered include Nairobi, Mathare, Ngong, Miotoni, Mokoyeti, Mbagathi, Ruaka, Gethathuru, Kibagare rivers and all tributaries. The demarcation will also support the regeneration work being jointly implemented by the Nairobi Rivers Commission and the ministries of Housing, Environment and Defence.

The Ministry said the exercise will be guided by Article 5, 62, 66 and 69 of the Constitution, the Land Act 2012, the Water Act 2016, the Survey Act, EMCA 1999, and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019, together with the 2021 planning regulations.

These laws outline how riparian reserves, wetlands and springs should be protected, planned, and managed. President Ruto has described the regeneration programme as a life-changing plan that will improve public health, restore the rivers, open up safer transport routes and empower thousands of residents.

“I want to assure Kenyans that in the next 24 months, we are going to see a difference in the Nairobi River,” he said during the groundbreaking for social housing in Kamukunji.

A multi-agency team will lead the demarcation work, bringing together the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning through the Directors of Physical Planning and Surveys, the State Department for Interior through NGAO officers, the Water Resource Authority, NEMA, the Nairobi County Government and the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

The Ministry said this team will oversee surveys, inspections and boundary marking along the entire river network.

“This exercise will start on 22nd December 2025,” the notice states. The regeneration programme extends beyond Nairobi into Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Murang’a and includes river rehabilitation, flood control, waste management and sewer upgrades to strengthen urban resilience.

Residents were reminded that the Constitution requires riparian reserves to be determined based on the high and low watermarks of a river rather than the centre line.

The Ministry also appealed to property owners to allow full access to survey teams working along all riverbanks.

“Authorised officers and technical teams will require entry to conduct surveys, inspections, and demarcation activities,” the notice said, calling for cooperation to ensure smooth work.

Additionally, owners and occupiers may be asked to present title deeds, survey maps, lease certificates, and planning approvals, including NEMA and WRA permits. These documents must be submitted within 14 days of any request made during the exercise.

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The Ministry further cautioned that activities banned under the Water Act 2016 and the 2021 planning regulations will not be allowed within riparian reserves, wetlands or springs.

Any illegal buildings, unapproved structures, encroachments or unsafe settlements found in the marked areas will be removed through a legal process.

The statement added that all actions will follow due process, involve public participation and uphold the rights of affected persons.

In the notice signed by Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, the Ministry emphasised that the regeneration work aims to protect key water sources while ensuring planning rules are observed.

Earlier during his tour of Kamukunji, President Ruto commended the cooperation between the national government and Nairobi County and welcomed the county’s investment in facilities such as the upgraded Desert Grounds in California, which he said will support talent development and community activities.