Nairobi Regional Commissioner (RC) Gilbert Kitiyo has issued a directive to members of the public who have encroached spaces along the Nairobi River Regeneration project to move away from the area.
Kitiyo said the Nairobi River Regeneration project, which includes Nairobi River, Mathare River and Ngong River, needs to be reclaimed for restoration and revitalization, hence asked those who have put up structures, whether permanent or temporary to comply with the directive.
He said the project aims to ensure that the Nairobi City Rivers are cleaned so that people using the water downstream in Machakos can access safe water that is free from contamination.
“There should be no structures 30 metres from the river banks on both sides. People who have not moved out should do so immediately and those who have moved out should not be allowed back, what is needed on the river banks are trees,” said Kitiyo.
Speaking during a familiarization tour of Mathare and Makadara Sub-Counties, while accompanied by the Nairobi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi, Kitiyo also called on village elders to work hand in hand with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and the security team in eradicating drugs, illicit brews, gambling and other criminal activities in the two sub counties.
Kitiyo while addressing Heads of Departments and NGAO officers, among them the Makadara Deputy County Commissioner, Phillip Koima and Mathare Sub County Deputy County Commissioner, Jane Katuse, reiterated that the government will not allow gangs and goons a free hand to operate and terrorize wananchi in the county.
“Parents of underage children who have left them to operate in the gangs should be arrested for allowing their children to engage in criminal activities,” directed the RC.
He noted that when criminal gangs are allowed to flourish, the value of property and businesses diminishes in those areas as customers relocate to other areas where they feel they are secure.
“We must fight them; village elders know them; NGAO and the Security team will support you in the fight,” assured the RC.
Regarding the emotive subject of land, Kitiyo called upon administrators to be on the lookout for fraudsters purporting to be land sellers, but were out to defraud people with fake land documents.
He said plot sellers must be controlled to safeguard innocent people against losing their parcels of land and money, and added that land issues must be handled carefully through the right channels.
The RC told NGAO officers and Departmental Heads from the two Sub Counties to sensitize members of the public about ongoing government projects and where they can get the services.
“You should also get feedback from the public on the services being offered, for improvement where necessary,” he said.
Kitiyo also reminded public servants to adhere to the public service code of ethics when carrying out their duties and to refrain from taking bribes and harassing customers, noting that such uncouth behaviour by public servants tarnishes the image of the government.
By Bernadette Khaduli
