Dozens of homes and businesses destroyed in State operation to reclaim riparian land

Authorities have demolished dozens of houses and businesses sitting on riparian land in Eastleigh's Section Three, as part of an ongoing government operation to clear illegal structures along Nairobi's rivers.

Onlookers gathered at Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue as the emotional toll of losing cherished establishments and cherished businesses engulfed owners.

Among the affected areas was the rear parts of Indhacade Garage, which was reduced to rubble by excavators on Thursday. Heavy police presence was deployed to oversee the exercise and ensure compliance with the evacuation orders.

The demolitions impacted dozens of businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), restaurants, spare parts dealers, and a local lodge.

They now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up after several establishments, along the Nairobi River, were flattened in the government's bid to reclaim riparian land.

The operation follows a government directive to demolish structures encroaching on the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong rivers.

Last Tuesday, the state issued a 24-hour ultimatum for residents to vacate the riparian land, warning of forced evacuation for those who failed to comply.

The move sparked a wave of distress among the affected individuals, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods.

“I've done business here for over a decade. My spare parts business was my only source of income,” said Mohamed Abdi, a spare parts dealer at the Garage. “Now everything is gone. I don't know how I will support my family.”

The livelihoods of many people have been shattered, sources of income obliterated and the prospect of financial instability looms in the area following the operation to dismantle the illegal structures.

An excavator partially demolishes Indhacade Garage in Nairobi on May 23, 2024. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

They are grappling with the anguish of displacement and have been forced to navigate an uncertain future as they search for new shelters and economic sustenance.

Mandeeq restaurant owner, Fatima Hussein said, “This eatery has been my lifeline. I have put all my savings into it. Watching it being demolished in minutes was heartbreaking. Where do we go from here?”

William Kimani, a mechanic at the adjacent Indhacade Garage and one of the many affected by the demolitions, helped carry equipment before excavators reached their side of the area.

Kimani voiced a plea for solidarity among the victims while assisting other business owners in salvaging their belongings.

“We need to help each other through this tough time,” Kimani said.

“Many of us have lost everything, but if we come together and support one another, we can start to rebuild our lives,” he said.

He added, “The community has always been strong, and now more than ever, we need to stand united.”

Eastleigh residents and business owners have called for more humane approaches and adequate notice periods for such operations.

Business owners salvage their belongings as authorities demolish establishments in Eastleigh's Section Three on Thursday. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

Mrs Aya Ahmed, a resident, said they understand the need for environmental conservation, but the suddenness of these demolitions has left them in utter despair.

“We urge the authorities to adopt more humane approaches and allow us to make alternative arrangements,” she said.

"As a small business owner, my livelihood has been destroyed today. We are not against the government's efforts to reclaim riparian land, but we plead for compassion and understanding as we try to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives,” Ahmed Hassan, owner of a partly demolished guesthouse in Section Three.

Many who spoke to the Eastleigh Voice argued that while they support the environmental objectives, the sudden and forceful nature of the demolitions has left them in a state of crisis.

The government, however, maintains that the clearance of riparian land is crucial for environmental conservation and flood prevention.

A senior police official at the scene from Shauri Moyo Police Station told the Eastleigh Voice that following regulations is critical for protecting natural resources and preventing future encroachments.

The official involved in the operation, who requested anonymity, defended the government's actions.

Business owners salvage their belongings as authorities demolish establishments in Eastleigh's Section Three on Thursday. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

He said the move was necessary to protect waterways and prevent future environmental disasters.

“The structures on riparian land are illegal and pose significant risks, including pollution and obstruction of natural water flow,” he said.

He added, “Authorities understand the hardships faced by those affected, compliance with environmental laws is non-negotiable for the greater good.”

The National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) has pledged to reclaim and preserve riparian zones across the city.

NDOC urged residents to adhere to zoning regulations to avoid such situations in the future.

The dust settles in Section Three Thursday evening with the affected individuals left to grapple with the reality of rebuilding their lives from scratch, amidst calls for government support and compensation.

For the victims of the demolitions, the road ahead is fraught with immense challenges and hardships.

Riparian areas are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall events as they are situated adjacent to rivers and water bodies.

When rivers overflow their banks, these low-lying areas become inundated, posing significant dangers to residents and property.

Floodwaters can erode the land, causing structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, and leading to the displacement of communities.

Poor urban planning, illegal settlements, and deforestation have exacerbated the risk and vulnerability of riparian land during the rainy season in Kenya.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, moderate to heavy rainfall events are forecasted for Thursday and Friday. Residents across the country have been advised to brace themselves for potentially significant rainfall during this period.

These weather conditions carry the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and riparian areas. “As such, precautionary measures should be taken to mitigate the impact of the anticipated rainfall,” said the weatherman.

The agency urged authorities to remain vigilant and ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise as a result of the inclement weather.