Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo during a tour of Mathare. /HANDOUTThe government will begin demolishing illegal structures built along Nairobi’s riparian reserves next week, Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has announced.
The exercise follows ongoing mapping of riparian developments and sensitisation campaigns aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental and urban management laws.
During a security and development tour of Kasarani, Njiru, Roysambu, and Ruaraka subcounties, Kitiyo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring order, improving service delivery and deepening community engagement across the city.
“We are determined to make government services more visible, efficient and responsive to the needs of the people. The Rapid Results Initiative is about bringing transformation to the people right where they live and work, down to the grassroots,” he said.
He noted that teams have already been deployed to identify illegal constructions on riparian land as part of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project, which also involves youth engaged under the Climate WorX Initiative.
During the tour on Wednesday, Kitiyo chaired a joint meeting in Ruaraka that brought together heads of departments, NGAO officers, security teams and the National Youth Service.
The meeting focused on key urban safety and development issues, including drug and substance abuse, radicalisation, fire risks from illegal power connections and preparations for the coming rains.
Officials also raised concerns about cybercrime and digital fraud among young people, urging greater vigilance and community reporting.
Later, during a public forum in Mathare North, Kitiyo directed monthly inter-departmental review meetings to monitor development programmes and promote accountability.
He emphasised joint field inspections to assess the impact of government projects and strengthen public trust.
Under the Climate WorX Initiative, more than 40,000 youth have been deployed to support the Nairobi River Regeneration Project.
Their work includes clearing waste, rehabilitating green spaces and supporting the mapping of riparian areas targeted for reclamation.
On urban management, the Regional Commissioner addressed issues related to boda boda operations, public lighting, hawking, and encroachment on public land.
He commended the ongoing collaboration between the national and county governments in enhancing safety and promoting structured urban development.
“Security and development go hand in hand. We must all play our part—government officers, community leaders and citizens—to ensure Nairobi remains a safe, organized and thriving city,” he said.
The day’s engagements concluded with a renewed commitment among security teams, NGAO officers and residents to uphold peace, accountability, and sustainable development across all subcounties.
