NAIROBI, Kenya, June 16 – A petitioner has moved the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining seeking the suspension of ongoing Nairobi Rivers Commission projects in Kangemi and Dagoretti, citing alleged violations of property rights, lack of public participation, and concerns over potential displacement.
The petitioners, led by Joseph Ngure and Mugo Gichenga, told MPs that the Nairobi Rivers Basin regeneration programme should be halted until their grievances are addressed and an “amicable way forward” is reached.
They claim to be lawful freehold landowners whose occupation of land along the Nairobi Stream and its tributaries dates back to 1959, arguing that subsequent subdivisions have complicated ownership verification but not extinguished their rights.
“We have proof that we are the original owners of the land. The only challenge is that several subdivisions have been done. We seek your intervention to stop this process until we are sufficiently heard and an amicable way forward is reached,” said Mugo Gichenga.
The petitioners allege they were not adequately consulted during the design and rollout of the project and have raised concerns over planned dredging works and the risk of displacement without adherence to legal procedures governing compulsory land acquisition.
While affirming support for environmental restoration of the Nairobi River Basin, they insisted that implementation must respect constitutional safeguards, including the right to property and public participation.
During the session, MPs questioned whether relevant environmental agencies had been engaged in the process.
“The petitioners have clearly pronounced themselves on the issue at hand, but have they also consulted the relevant bodies like NEMA on this matter, what was their response?” posed MP Beatrice Kemei.
Lawmakers also noted the need to balance restoration efforts with rights of affected communities.
“There is need for consultation on the actual position and ownership of this land to establish exact measurements under contention. The petitioners deserve a fair hearing and possible compensation if necessary,” said MP Leo Wamuthende.
The petitioners are now calling on Parliament to suspend all project activities affecting private land, halt any demolitions or evictions until due process is followed, and ensure strict adherence to legally defined riparian boundaries supported by proper community engagement.
Committee Vice Chairperson Charles Kamuren assured the petitioners of a structured inquiry, saying the committee will embark on fact-finding engagements with relevant agencies.
“We shall write to the National Land Commission, Institute of Survey of Kenya, NEMA, Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Rivers Commission, the Principal Secretary, and the local administration to hear their side before undertaking an inspection visit,” he said.
The committee is expected to compile its findings and table a report before the House in the coming weeks.
