Multi-million Apartment in Nairobi Set For Demolition

A multi-million property in Nairobi is set for demolition after authorities realized it was resting on riparian land meant for the Nairobi Dam.

Government through NEMA and the Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA) on Friday issued a notice to Edermann Property to flatten their Nyayo HighRise apartment not later than October 26, 2018.

NEMA inspection officers on Friday found the investor, identified in the notice as John Rayways, to have encroached on part of the Nairobi Dam riparian reserve.

"Following an inspection carried out by environmental inspectors within your premises at Nyayo HighRise. it was observed that you have built a permanent structure into Nairobi Dam reserve contrary to the laws of Kenya," reads the notice in part.

In the notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke, NEMA directed the property owners to take a maximum of three months to bring down the apartment and restore the riparian area to its original state.

The NEMA inspectorate also summoned the property owners to their head office in the company of a legal advisor on Monday when they are expected to meet the Deputy Director of Enforcement.

In the event the property owners fail to initiate the demolitions on their own, the notice states, demolition shall be done without further reference to the investor.

Government through the Nairobi Regeneration Taskforce halted the demolitions to allow clearing of rubbles from sites and restoration of affected riparian land and road reserves.

The famous Taj Mall in Embakasi, Southend Mall and U-kay Mall were all flattened for being in violation of various legal requirements.