Buildings owners get State reprieve

The economy will lose Sh500 billion if 5,000 buildings sitting on riparian land within Nairobi are demolished, the Nairobi Regeneration team has said.

Tourism CS and Nairobi Regeneration Team co-chairman Najib Balala said that was the only reason the buildings had been spared.

“The demolitions were halted after we were given a report that if they are brought down, then the economy will suffer a setback of about Sh500 billion,” said Mr Balala while appearing before the Senate Lands and Environment Committee yesterday.

He said State officials involved in illegal approvals and issuance of title deeds would be held accountable for misleading innocent Kenyans. “The legal and public prosecution department in government will give advice on legal actions for the officers to be surcharged,” said Housing PS Hinga Mwaura.

Mr Mwaura, appearing before the same committee, said engagement with owners of the buildings to find a way forward was ongoing.

“The identification of structures in riparian lands and wetlands is being finalised. Parallel to this exercise, a strategy to ensure that the rights of innocent residents are not infringed upon has been developed,” said Mwaura.