Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has criticised the planned demolitions in Mukuru kwa Njenga informal settlement, describing the evictions as illegal and procedurally flawed. The demolitions are linked to a disputed parcel of land earmarked for the construction of the Catherine Ndereba Road, a major infrastructure project intended to improve connectivity within Nairobi.
Tension as Police Move In
A large number of police officers moved into the area early Tuesday morning, triggering resistance from residents who opposed the demolitions. Tensions escalated as officers fired teargas to disperse crowds protesting the forceful evictions. Speaking to the media after calm was restored, Governor Sakaja said the construction plans had not been approved by the Nairobi County Government and could not proceed without following due process.
Project Lacked County Approval
Sakaja said the road markings and feeder routes had not been sanctioned by the county’s planning structures, including the Planning Committee and the County Executive Committee (CEC).
How do you mark feeder roads that have not been approved by our planning committee or the County Executive Committee? No agency can carry out works that fall under the county’s mandate without approval from the county government. These decisions were made elsewhere.
Governor Sakaja Call for Dialogue and Compensation
The governor emphasised that any infrastructure development must involve public participation and clear compensation agreements before implementation. Sakaja criticised the use of force, saying residents should not be ambushed or displaced without engagement. The governor said the county government would now take the lead in engaging residents to find a lasting solution.
About the Catherine Ndereba Road
The 30-metre-wide Catherine Ndereba Road, named after Kenya’s legendary marathon champion, is designed to link Mukuru to the Industrial Area, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and the Nairobi Expressway, making it a key transport corridor once completed.
