Sakaja marks State House wall set to be demolished after Ruto’s orders

Sakaja marks State House wall set to be demolished after Ruto’s orders

Part of the State House Nairobi perimeter wall built on riparian land has been marked for demolition as part of efforts to reclaim Nairobi’s waterways.

In an update shared on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the decision was reached in collaboration with State House officials, the Nairobi River Commission, and local leadership from Nairobi West Sub-County under the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.

Sakaja described the move as a show of leadership and accountability, noting that President William Ruto had agreed to comply with environmental regulations.

“I want to thank the president. He is the primary tenant here and has led by example. If this wall at the State House can come down, then every other structure along the riparian land must also be removed,” Sakaja said.

The demolition forms part of a broader government plan to restore riparian reserves, rehabilitate degraded river systems, and modernise urban infrastructure along Nairobi’s waterways.

Authorities say more than Ksh50 billion has been committed to the programme, which includes river clean-up, construction of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes, and the development of public recreational spaces.

“We are restoring the Nairobi River, creating walkways, reclaiming riparian land, and transforming the city. The walkways will serve as transport corridors where people can walk or cycle safely, with lighting and security,” Sakaja added.

He noted that the project is expected to connect key parts of the city, allowing residents to move between areas such as Eastleigh and Westlands through improved river corridors.

The initiative also includes major developments such as a modern Gikomba Market and upgrades around Globe Roundabout, with public participation forums ongoing in affected areas to build support.

Sakaja, however, criticised politicians opposing the programme, accusing them of misleading residents.

“It is unfortunate that some politicians are misleading people against what is beneficial for all of us. This programme is for the good of Nairobi,” he said.

He also warned residents, particularly youth, against scavenging materials from partially demolished structures, citing safety concerns.

“We will not allow people to risk their lives by scavenging from unsafe structures. Demolitions will be supervised to ensure safety,” he stated.

The development follows a directive by President Ruto ordering the demolition of sections of State House built on riparian land along the Kirichwa Kubwa River.

While addressing the Nairobi County Assembly on April 9, 2026, the president revealed that a multi-agency team had identified part of the State House boundary wall encroaching on the riparian reserve.

“We have received notice from the multi-agency claiming riparian land that part of the State House boundary, the wall along Kirichwa Kubwa River, falls within the riparian reserve, and it must come down. They have told me at least 15 metres from the high mark,” Ruto said.

He emphasised that enforcing planning regulations is key to building orderly and sustainable cities.