Nairobi Landowners Warned as Authorities Move to Reclaim Protected Land

The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) has identified several properties in Lavington for possible demolition after finding that parts of the developments appear to encroach on protected riparian land along the Kibagare River.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 4 June, the commission said its multi-agency team conducted a demarcation exercise on Shanzu Road and Grevillea Grove. The exercise identified buildings and perimeter walls believed to have been constructed within the protected river corridor. 

Officials marked the affected sections and issued notices to property owners. Those who wish to challenge the findings have been instructed to file complaints with the Ministry of Lands at Ardhi House.

The operation forms part of a wider campaign to recover riparian reserves across Nairobi. Authorities say uncontrolled development along riverbanks has narrowed waterways, increased pollution and raised the risk of flooding. 

Since May, the NRC has issued more than 300 notices to landowners along Kirichwa Kibua and plans to extend the exercise to Kirichwa Ndogo, Mathare River, Parklands and the Ngong River corridor. The commission says the enforcement effort is intended to restore Nairobi’s river ecosystems, which have been affected by years of development within protected areas. 

Officials argue that such construction has weakened environmental protection measures and contributed to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall by obstructing natural water channels. The action could have significant consequences for Lavington, one of Nairobi’s most established residential neighbourhoods. 

Some property owners may face the loss of homes or other investments if structures are found to be within protected areas. The commission maintains that the measures are necessary to protect public land and preserve the ecological health of the river system.

The latest operation follows similar demolitions in informal settlements, including Mukuru Kwa Njenga, where residents were displaced in December 2025 after structures built on riparian reserves were removed. Although the circumstances differ, with Lavington involving high-value residential properties, the authorities say both cases are based on the enforcement of laws governing public land and protected river corridors.

As the NRC expands the programme to other parts of Nairobi, the issue of balancing urban development with environmental protection remains a key consideration. The outcome of the Lavington exercise may influence how future cases of riparian encroachment are handled across the city.