High-rise developers in Kileleshwa ordered to pay for damaged sewer lines after Dutch embassy's complaints

The Nairobi county government has ordered high-rise developers in Kileleshwa to pay for repairs on damaged public infrastructure, including walkways and sewer lines.

The directive follows a complaint by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which says nearby construction has blocked water and sewage flow, triggering an environmental crisis.

In a formal complaint to Nairobi County, the Embassy says construction of the building has put its Gem Lane residence at risk of flooding, raising serious public health concerns.

The Embassy also says walkways and sewer lines have been destroyed by the construction and is demanding immediate action from relevant authorities.

Nairobi county urban development and planning chief officer Patrick Analo Akivaga has said that enforcement notices have been issued and developers who damaged public infrastructure have been ordered developers to pay for repairs.

“We have received the Netherlands embassy complaint. Our team is on the ground, and we have issued notices to those who blocked sewer lines. Developers responsible will bear the cost of repairs,” he said.

Other parts of Kileleshwa have not been spared. At Dik Dik gardens, residents say high-rise developments have destroyed walkways, interfered with sewer lines, and are discharging waste into the nearby Kirichwa Ndogo river.

“We have a large building coming up without any upgrade to the sewer. Walkways have been destroyed, and waste is being discharged into this river. We reported to Nairobi water, but nothing has been done,” said Joe Muigai, a resident.

Residents are now calling on the county government to intervene and halt all construction until the issues are addressed.

“Why can’t developers be forced to upgrade infrastructure before construction? Right now, they destroy everything and walk away,” said Bernardo Barnado.