Public views needed to secure Nairobi River

A section of Nairobi River/FILE

The Nairobi County Government has issued a special notice declaring the Nairobi River Corridor a Special Planning Area (SPA) and is inviting the public to submit their views within two weeks.

The move follows a request by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, which proposed the designation to facilitate structured planning and sustainable development along the river.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 52 and 53 of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, the County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment & Urban Planning intends to declare the Nairobi River Corridor a Special Planning Area," reads part of the notice.

The notice, dated March 6, 2025, is signed by Patrick Mbogo, the County Executive Committee Member for Environment.

According to the order, the Nairobi River Corridor extends from Naivasha Road to Ruai, including its tributaries.

The designated area covers a 60-meter buffer zone beyond the high-water mark on each side of the river—comprising a 30-meter riparian corridor and an additional 30-meter development area.

“This declaration will enable preparation of a Local Physical Development and Land use plan,’’ Mbogo said.

The plan will provide a framework for river regeneration, flood hazard mitigation, riparian land-use redevelopment of the land, including infrastructure development and construction of Social and Affordable housing and associated social and physical infrastructure.

The plan will also encompass a financing structure for the development of the special planning area.

This multi-sectoral Planning process will be undertaken by the Nairobi City County Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Nairobi Rivers Commission, National Environmental Management Authority and other relevant stakeholders.

“A map detailing the designated area will be physically available at the office of the Chief Officer, Urban Planning & Development, 2' Floor, City Hall Annex. The same will also be displayed at the precincts of the Nairobi County Government offices at City Hall, all Ward Administration offices within the targeted sub-counties, as well as the Nairobi City County official website,’’ Mbogo said.

“We hereby invite members of the public to submit their comments on this proposal in writing within 14 days through the email address: email [email protected] or P.O Box 30075-00100. Nairobi.”