State House Nairobi Served with 14-Day Demolition Notice Over Riparian Encroachment
In a bold demonstration of “no exceptions” policy, part of the State House perimeter wall in Nairobi has been marked for demolition after it was found to encroach on the Kirichwa Kubwa River riparian reserve.
On Tuesday evening (April 14, 2026), a multi-agency team led by Water Resources Authority (WRA) CEO Mohamed Moulid Shurie and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja inspected the site, marked the affected section, and issued a formal 14-day demolition notice.
Approximately 15 metres of the wall falls within the protected riparian zone, which is meant to act as a buffer against flooding, erosion, and pollution.
President William Ruto had earlier given the green light, stating clearly during an address at the Nairobi County Assembly that the wall “must come down” as part of the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Project. He emphasized that the government is enforcing environmental laws without favour.
Governor Sakaja described the move as strong leadership by example:
“If this wall at State House can come down, then every other structure along the riparian land must also be removed.”
The broader initiative aims to reclaim riparian reserves along Nairobi’s rivers, restore ecosystems, reduce flooding risks, and create modern walkways and cycling paths for residents.
This development is being seen as a symbolic test of the government’s commitment to environmental restoration.
