Riparian Demarcation Exercise Commences Along Nairobi River

The riparian demarcation exercise along the Nairobi River has officially commenced at Point Zero, Gitwamba Bridge, marking a major milestone in ongoing efforts to protect, rehabilitate and sustainably manage Nairobi’s River ecosystems. The exercise represents a critical step in safeguarding the ecological integrity of the river while supporting broader environmental restoration and urban resilience objectives.

The exercise is being coordinated by the Nairobi Rivers Commission through a Multi-Agency Technical team comprising of National and County government institutions responsible for water resources management, environmental protection, security and urban planning. The technical identification and marking of the riparian boundary is being undertaken by the Water Resources Authority (WRA) in accordance with established hydrological, environmental and legal standards governing water resource protection.

Beginning at Gitwamba Bridge, the demarcation which extends for approximately 27 kilometres up to Naivasha Road follows the legally prescribed 30-metre buffer measured from the highest water mark. The primary objective of this process is to clearly define and protect riparian corridors, which play a crucial role in maintaining river health. Properly protected riparian zones help prevent illegal encroachment, reduce flood risks by allowing natural water flow, minimize pollution through natural filtration, and preserve biodiversity within the river ecosystem and its tributaries.

The exercise is being implemented through a structured and legally compliant process. This includes prior publication of public notices in national newspapers, issuance of relevant gazette notices, and extensive community sensitization forums. These measures are designed to promote transparency, build public awareness and ensure that communities, landowners and stakeholders fully understand the purpose, scope and benefits of the demarcation exercise.

The Nairobi Rivers Commission emphasizes that riparian demarcation is a foundational intervention under the wider Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme. By establishing clear protection boundaries, the exercise supports long-term environmental restoration, enhances public safety and creates a framework for sustainable urban development along the river corridor. The Commission has further clarified that the exercise is strictly environmental and protective in nature and does not alter land ownership rights or relate to unrelated development activities.

As the demarcation progresses upstream, the Commission continues to prioritize inclusive stakeholder engagement, technical accuracy and adherence to environmental regulations. Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with authorized field teams and to seek information through official communication channels to ensure access to accurate and verified updates regarding the exercise and the broader river regeneration programme.