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Kindiki: State to hire youths to plant trees on reclaimed riparian land in Nairobi

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki assesses ongoing reclamation and rehabilitation works on various sections of the Nairobi River Corridor on May 24, 2024 (Photo: Interior Ministry)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, May 24, 2024

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, said on Friday that the youths will be paid for their labour.

The government will hire community-based organisations and youth groups in Mathare and Mukuru kwa Njenga to start planting trees on reclaimed riparian land along the Nairobi rivers.

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, said on Friday that the youths will be paid for their labour.

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"The government will utilise paid labour from the local community and purchase seedlings from local community-based organisations (CBOs) and youth groups in the reclamation and regeneration of the riparian corridor ecosystem," he said.

To prevent re-encroachment, the reclaimed riparian reserves are being trenched and fenced and the planting of riverine ecosystem trees is underway.

The CS visited areas along the Nairobi River Corridors to assess ongoing reclamation and rehabilitation works.

Kindiki visited Kiamaiko in Mathare, and Mukuru kwa Njenga, accompanied by Nairobi security officials led by Regional Commissioner Katee Mwanza.

The CS noted that 40,000 households comprising 181,000 persons have voluntarily relocated from the riparian reserves of the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers and other mini tributaries of the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki visits sections of the Nairobi River Corridor on May 24, 2024 (Photo Interior Ministry)

"The government notes with appreciation the cooperation of members of the public on the ongoing programme to evacuate persons whose presence on riparian corridors within the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem poses grave danger to their lives, as witnessed during the torrential flooding last month," Kindiki said.

CS Kindiki emphasised that the government is already supporting each affected household with Sh10,000 to support them in settling on alternative rental premises.

He pointed out that the affected people will be given first priority in the Affordable Housing Programme.

Pointing out the benefits of reclaiming riparian land, Kindiki said that it will be a boost for the communities around it as crime hideouts will be cleared.

"The reclamation of the Nairobi Rivers Ecosystem will boost security for communities living around it, eliminate the menace of illicit alcohol brewing and narcotic drug peddling, and flush out dangerous criminals using the encroached riparian corridors as their hideouts," he explained.

On May 3, 2024, the Interior Ministry ordered the demolition of structures and buildings illegally constructed along riparian land near Nairobi.

The directive affects all those living within 30 metres of the Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi rivers.

The CS directed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to work with the Nairobi City County Government and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to ensure the immediate vacation of people living along the rivers.

Up to date, demolitions are still being carried out in areas within Mathare, Kamukunji, and Starehe.

Riot police officers disperse metal scavengers during the search and rescue operations on the rubble of a residential flat that collapsed while undergoing demolition in Mathare River, Nairobi, on May 14, 2024. (Photo: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters)