Sh2 Billion South End Mall on Lang'ata Road Demolished By Nema

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has on Wednesday morning demolished Nairobi's South End Mall after years of public uproar.

The Sh2 billion structure was constructed at the junction of Mbagathi Way and Langata Road after a prolonged tussle between the state and businessmen over encroachment of Ngong River.

NEMA said the demolitions are part of efforts to reclaim riparian land and more buildings built on wetlands or near river banks will be flattened in the ongoing operation.

On Monday, the environment agency brought down multi- million shillings Java House and Shell Petrol Station in Kileleshwa that sat adjacent to Nairobi River.

South End Mall was among thousands of buildings in Nairobi marked for demolition for being illegally constructed on riparian land contrary to Article 67 of the Constitution.

The five-storey building was constructed despite opposition by environmentalists. The crackdown on illegal structures in Nairobi is being led by the Nairobi Regeneration team appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017.

The block, which is reportedly owned by former Bobasi MP Stephen Manoti, was pulled down under tight security even as tenants rushed to salvage their stock.