Sifuna Challenges Ruto-Backed Nairobi River Eviction Plan
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised concerns in the Senate over the Nairobi City County Government’s decision to evict residents of Korogocho.
The evictions are part of a broader plan following the declaration of the Nairobi River Corridor as a Special Planning Area, a project supported by President William Ruto’s administration.
While addressing the Senate on Wednesday, April 16, Sifuna admitted that the idea of designating the river corridor as a Special Planning Area has its advantages.
However, he strongly criticized the way the process is being handled, pointing out that it lacks fairness and respect for the rights of the people living in the area.
Sifuna emphasized that many residents of Korogocho have lived there for many years, and they are not opposed to development or efforts to protect the environment.
What they are demanding, he said, is to be treated with dignity and included in the decision-making process.
“The people of Korogocho are not enemies of progress or environmental conservation. All they are asking for is fairness, respect, and the chance to be part of decisions that directly affect their lives,” Sifuna said.
“It is wrong to evict families without proper notice, without listening to their concerns, and without making clear plans for compensation. These are human beings who have built their lives in this area for decades.”
The petition presented by Sifuna to the Senate includes more than 30 signatures from affected residents.
It outlines several serious concerns, such as a lack of proper public participation, harassment during eviction exercises, and broken promises regarding compensation and relocation.
Residents claimed they have tried multiple times to engage both the county government and the Nairobi City County Executive Committee to no avail.
After exhausting these options, they turned to their Senator, hoping that he could help push for more humane solutions.
They want evictions, if necessary, to be conducted fairly—with enough notice, proper compensation, and full involvement of the community in all planning decisions.
Sifuna’s petition has now been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources for further review and possible action.
Earlier in March, the Nairobi County Government issued a special notice asking the public to submit their views on the planned evictions.
However, the notice only gave a two-week window for feedback, which many residents found insufficient.
Patrick Mbogo, the County Executive Committee Member for Environment, explained that the designated area along the Nairobi River will stretch 60 metres beyond the river’s high-water mark on both sides. This includes a 30-metre riparian zone and an extra 30 metres for development purposes.
The Nairobi River Corridor will run from Naivasha Road to Ruai, including smaller rivers that feed into it. The purpose is to create a comprehensive Local Physical Development and Land Use Plan.
This plan aims to guide the restoration of the river, reduce flood risks, and support the redevelopment of land along the riparian zone.
While the government says the project will help improve the environment and prevent flooding, residents and their leaders like Sifuna insist that the process must not trample on the rights of long-time inhabitants.
They demand that any development be carried out with compassion, fairness, and the full participation of the affected communities.
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