Why Ruto’s Nairobi River Project Could be Stopped

President William Ruto’s Nairobi River restoration project could face delays or even be stopped after a group of landowners petitioned Parliament over concerns about the project’s implementation.

The landowners appeared before the National Assembly’s Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee on Tuesday, June 16, seeking intervention to halt ongoing works under the Nairobi Rivers Basin regeneration project in Kangemi and Dagoretti.

The project aims to fully reclaim and restore the Nairobi River Basin by cleaning polluted rivers and improving the environment around them.

However, the petitioners claim the project could affect their land and livelihoods. They told MPs that they own freehold land along the Nairobi Stream and its tributaries and that their families have occupied the land since 1959.

Why Landowners Want Parliament to Suspend Works

Led by Joseph Ngure and Mugo Gichenga, the group said they were not properly consulted before the project began.

“We have proof that we are the original owners of the land. We are asking Parliament to stop the process until we are heard and an amicable solution is reached,” Gichenga told the committee.

The petitioners also raised concerns about proposed dredging works and the possibility of being displaced without following legal procedures for land acquisition.

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Although they support efforts to clean and restore the Nairobi River, they said the project should be implemented in a way that protects property rights and allows meaningful public participation.

Committee member Beatrice Kemei asked whether the petitioners had engaged relevant agencies, such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), over their concerns.

At the same time, Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende said there was a need to establish the exact ownership and size of the land in dispute.

“There is a need for consultations to determine the actual ownership and measurements of the land under contention. The petitioners deserve a fair hearing and possible compensation if necessary,” he said.

The landowners want Parliament to ensure that no demolitions or evictions take place without due process. They also want all activities affecting private land suspended until the matter is resolved.

In response, Committee Vice Chairperson Charles Kamuren said the committee would investigate the claims before making its recommendations.

“We shall seek responses from the National Land Commission, the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya, NEMA, the Water Resources Authority, the Nairobi River Commission, the Principal Secretary and local administrators before conducting a site visit,” Kamuren said.

About the Nairobi River Regeneration Project

President Ruto launched the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme on March 10, 2025, for Ksh 50 billion.

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The project aims to reclaim and restore the Nairobi River Basin while creating 40,000 jobs. It also includes the construction of a 60-kilometre sewer line and 50,000 affordable housing units in reclaimed areas.

The programme is being jointly implemented by the Nairobi Rivers Commission and the ministries of Housing, Environment, and Defence.

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A section of the Nairobi River, which is at the centre of the government’s multi-billion-shilling regeneration project. PHOTO/Capital FM