The Parklands Residents Association (PRA) and the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) have dismissed claims circulating on social media that the ongoing demolitions in the area are targeting homes belonging to a particular ethnic community.
The organisations also rejected claims that residents had been given 24 hours to leave the country.
PRA said demolitions are indeed taking place in parts of Parklands, but said the claims being shared online about the exercise are false.
“The assertion that Kenyans were asked to leave the country is not true,” the residents’ association said in a statement issued on Thursday, August 13.
The association urged residents to remain calm and avoid sharing information that has not been verified.
It also warned that the demolition exercise should not be used to intimidate residents or force them to leave their properties outside the laid-down process.
The clarification came as a multi-agency team carried out an operation targeting riparian areas around Parklands.
NRC explains why demolitions are taking place
The Nairobi Rivers Commission confirmed that the exercise was carried out along Ndovu Ahmed Lane, Khawtar 2 and Parklands Avenue as part of efforts to reclaim land along the Nairobi River.
The Commission said the exercise followed public engagement, demarcation of the affected areas and issuance of notices to properties identified for action.
“The exercise follows the established process of public engagement, demarcation and issuance of notices to affected properties,” NRC said.
The Commission said the operation is being carried out under laws governing the protection of riparian areas.
As part of the wider exercise, NRC has been demarcating the riparian boundary along about 27 kilometres of the Nairobi River, from Gitwamba Bridge to Naivasha Road.
The boundary is measured using a 30-metre buffer from the highest water mark.
Residents who have questions about demolition notices, the demarcation process or verification of affected properties have been advised to seek clarification through official government offices.
PRA also asked residents to confirm information with the relevant authorities instead of relying on claims circulating through social media and other third-party sources.
Warning against intimidation and corruption
Both organisations also warned people involved in the exercise against intimidation, threats and corruption.
NRC said no person should use the operation to threaten or force another resident to take action outside the established process.
“No individual should intimidate, threaten, harass, or force another person to take action outside the established process,” the Commission said.
The Parklands operation is part of the wider Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, which includes the reclamation of riparian land, restoration of rivers and construction of related infrastructure.
The programme is expected to continue beyond the current demolitions, with the first phase targeted for completion by January 2027.
For 2026, the Nairobi Rivers Commission has set a target of securing 37 kilometres of riparian land and completing 27.5 kilometres of engineering works.
The authorities have urged residents affected by the exercise to rely on official communication as the government continues with the Nairobi River restoration programme.
