The Nairobi Rivers Commission and Nairobi County Government are working on plans to transform the Kibagare River corridor into a public park stretching from Westlands through Parklands to Ojijo Road.
The proposed project will involve restoring sections of the river, removing structures built along the waterway and creating green spaces where residents can walk and relax.
According to the Westlands Park Scheme Design reviewed by our journalist the planned park will begin near Ring Road Westlands, close to Sarit Centre and the Waiyaki Way interchange.
From there, the green corridor will follow the river past Muthithi Road, Mpaka Road and Parklands Road near The Oval. It will then run alongside the Aga Khan Sports Club grounds towards First Parklands Avenue.
The design provides for an open river channel surrounded by landscaped green spaces, with plans for native trees, pedestrian walkways and public recreation facilities.
The proposed park will occupy a control zone measuring between 30 and 60 metres from the riverbanks. However, the exact amount of land required in each section is yet to be established as field surveys continue.
Buildings Along River Face Changes
The project will require the opening up of sections of the river that have been channelled through pipes or built over by commercial and residential developments.
One of the areas identified in the plans is the Oshwal Religious Centre complex.
On Friday, October 16, the Oshwal Religious Centre Committee, led by Chairman Samir Chandaria, met with the multi-agency team and committed to supporting the river restoration and proposed park.
Authorities have also held consultations with residents of Parklands Court, Brookside Drive, Grevillea Grove and Ndovu Lane.
Notices have been issued to clear structures built directly over the waterway as officials move to restore the river’s natural course.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission and other agencies have also started a joint exercise to re-establish the river’s boundaries and address bottlenecks along First Parklands Avenue, where culverts have affected water flow.
The Parklands Residents Association has asked property owners whose land falls within the river corridor to submit official ownership documents to the commission at Ardhi House for technical review.
Part of Nairobi River Regeneration Plan
The Kibagare River Project is one of the projects that fit within the bigger picture of river restoration in Nairobi that is projected to cost Ksh50 billion.
The overall plan aims at ensuring the restoration of the rivers and reducing pollution while at the same time creating walkways and public spaces.
Under the proposed project, a green corridor will be established through Westlands and Parklands.
However, the plans are still being finalised, with field surveys and consultations expected to help determine the exact boundaries and land requirements for the proposed park.