Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has presented a petition before the Senate regarding alleged inhumane evictions, lack of compensation, and inadequate public participation in ongoing evictions along the Nairobi River Corridor.
The petition, submitted on behalf of the Korogocho Community Forum, calls on the Senate to initiate investigations and make recommendations concerning compensation for those already displaced, as well as safeguards for residents who may be affected by future evictions.
Sifuna told the House that it was unacceptable for a community that has lived in the area for decades to be evicted without proper notice, public consultation, or a clear compensation framework. “It should be noted that many of the residents are structure owners who have lived in the area their entire lives and have no other place to call home. The County Government should, therefore, act with compassion,” said Sifuna.
He further noted that a notice issued by the Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for City Planning did not contain a firm commitment to compensate those affected in Korogocho.
While the residents support development and environmental conservation, Sifuna emphasised they must be treated with fairness and dignity, and included in decisions that directly affect their lives.
The petitioners allege that a public notice declaring the Nairobi River Corridor a Special Planning Area was communicated to community representatives only after the expiry of the 14-day notice period, denying them the opportunity to submit opinions or memoranda.
They also claim the eviction process has involved intimidation, despite numerous attempts to engage both the County and National Governments for a fair and transparent process. According to the petition, the notice declared a 60-metre corridor along the Nairobi River—comprising a 30-metre riparian zone and an additional 30-metre development area—stretching from Naivasha Road to Ruai, including tributaries.
The petitioners argued that residents evicted in a previous phase last year remain uncompensated. “We have exhausted all means, including seeking an audience with the Governor, County Executive, and County Assembly of Nairobi, to no avail. We are therefore left with no option but to petition the Senate of the Republic of Kenya,” reads part of the petition.
