More buildings in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu face demolitions

Five counties have the most number of buildings constructed on riparian land which risk demolitions as the government moves to reclaim the wetlands.

They are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.

According to John Chumo, a senior official from the National Environment Complaints Committee, the problem is exacerbated by tycoons who have used the space to put up illegal structures.

On Monday, demolitions in Nairobi began with Java House in Kileleshwa being brought down.

A section of local media also reported that another 4,000 buildings are to be demolished within the capital city.

On his part, Dr. Chumo said illegal structures have led to environmental degradation such as blockage of rivers.

He further noted that sewer lines drain into rivers greatly affecting the biotic components of the ecosystems.

Nairobi is the worst hit by effluent discharge to rivers with River Ngong and Nairobi River the biggest cause of pollution.

The official however lauded the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as well as two ministries; Public Works and Lands, for the ongoing demolitions of structures illegally built on riparian land.

“Moving forward, any developments should conform to the approvals of NEMA, the Water Resource Authority and county governments,” he added.