State House wall on riparian land marked for demolition

The decision was announced by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja alongside officials from State House, the Nairobi River Commission and the Nairobi West County Commissioner during an inspection of the site.

Sakaja said the demolition signalled that no structure would be exempt from enforcement in the ongoing effort to reclaim land along Nairobi’s waterways.

“If this wall at State House can come down, then every other structure along riparian land must also be removed,” he said.

The demolition forms part of a broader initiative to restore riparian reserves and rehabilitate the Nairobi River ecosystem, while opening up public infrastructure along sections of the river corridor.

According to officials, the programme—backed by more than Ksh.50 billion in government funding—includes river restoration works, pedestrian and cycling paths, and the development of public spaces.

Sakaja said the walkways are intended to improve mobility and safety while linking various parts of the city through the river corridor.

He added that the project could eventually connect neighbourhoods such as Eastleigh and Westlands through pedestrian and cycling routes.

Other components of the programme include the redevelopment of Gikomba Market and upgrades around Globe Roundabout, with public participation exercises ongoing in affected areas.

Officials also pointed to earlier reclamation efforts along the Kibagare River near Westgate, where a public park is under development.

Sakaja urged residents to comply with demolition notices and warned against interference with the exercise.

He also cautioned members of the public against scavenging materials from condemned or partially demolished structures, citing safety concerns.

The wider regeneration programme also encompasses rehabilitation works at Nairobi Dam and related infrastructure upgrades across the capital.

Authorities say the demolition at State House marks a significant step in enforcement efforts as the government moves to reclaim riparian land and restore Nairobi’s urban waterways.