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Upmarket buildings in Nairobi marked for demolition
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja marks riparian areas within State House grounds in Nairobi on April 14, 2026. The marked areas are slated for demolition as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Nairobi River.
What you need to know:
- Elite Court on Ole Dume Road in the Kilimani area is among tens of the buildings which will be demolished.
- Elite court is one of the estates that were heavily affected by floods in 2024, causing major damages of property.
Hundreds of tenants living in the upmarket Elite Court on Ole Dume Road in the Kilimani area will be evicted as part of the ongoing operation to reclaim riparian land in the city and remove buildings that obstruct the flow of floodwater.
This is according to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who has been leading the Nairobi River Commission in marking the buildings and structures sitting on the riparian areas.
While addressing the media after attending the church service on Sunday at PCEA Evergreen Parish in Roysambu, the governor stated that Elite Court is among tens of the buildings which will be demolished.
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja marks riparian areas within the grounds of State House, Nairobi on April 14, 2026, as Water Resources Authority CEO Mohamed Moulid Shurie (left) looks on.
“At Kirichwa Kubwa, Elite Court has experienced repeated flooding over the years because it sits on riparian land. Like other affected structures, it is part of the ongoing demolitions. The recent removal of part of the State House wall underscores that no one is exempt. We cannot continue losing lives due to occupation of riparian areas,” Governor Sakaja said, adding that the notice of eviction had been served.
Elite court is one of the estates that were heavily affected by floods in 2024, causing major damages of property.
His sentiments come a week after a multi-agency team marked parts of houses at Kingara Court for demolition after confirming that they were built within the 10-metre riparian buffer along the Kirichwa Kubwa River.
The exercise conducted by the Nairobi River Commission and national administration, is part of the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which seeks to restore rivers, remove illegal structures, and reduce flooding.
Officials say encroachment along the river has worsened pollution and narrowed waterways, increasing flood risks. Residents witnessed the marking of the protected zone, with affected structures set for removal.
Mr Sakaja said that the county’s crackdown on illegal developments on riparian land was in gaining momentum, warning that more demolitions are imminent as part of efforts to curb persistent flooding.
He noted that several encroached areas have already been reclaimed, with the exercise set to extend to more locations, including Kirichwa Kubwa in Kilimani.
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja (left) flanked by Water Resources Authority CEO Mohamed Moulid Shurie speaks to the media after marking riparian areas within the grounds of State House, Nairobi on April 14, 2026.
“The work to reclaim riparian land is ongoing at high speed. We have already recovered many areas, and as the rains continue, more structures built on riparian land will have to be demolished.”
Mr Sakaja also noted that the exercise to restore rivers in the City has received national backing, citing the removal of part of the State House perimeter wall to restore natural water flow as a leading example of the government’s commitment.
“We are facing serious flood challenges, not just in Nairobi but across the country, including Tana River. People must take responsibility. You cannot block waterways and then complain about floods.”
He urged residents living in high-risk areas to relocate, emphasising that reclaiming riparian land is critical to long-term solutions such as improved drainage and sewer systems.
The governor cautioned against politicising development initiatives, particularly the ongoing construction of the modern Gikomba Market, which he said will be completed within six months.
“Do not listen to politicians who do not care about your dignity. In six months, you will have a proper market that respects your rights and improves your working conditions.”
Also, the governor used the opportunity to call for calm and tolerance in the political space, condemning recent incidents of violence at public gatherings.
“We need peace, stability, and tolerance. Violence is not the answer. As leaders, we must lower political tensions and promote unity. In a democracy, we may disagree, but we must respect each other’s right to be heard.”
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