Court halts Gikomba demolitions, protecting traders and residents

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The Environment and Land Court has temporarily stopped planned demolitions in Gikomba and the Shaurimoyo River Bank Settlement Scheme, ruling that the status quo must be maintained until the case is fully heard.

The demolitions, initially scheduled for March 3, 2026, were blocked after petitioners warned they threatened the homes and livelihoods of thousands.

Lady Justice L.G. Kimani certified the matter as urgent, citing the immediate risk to property and the welfare of residents. An inter partes hearing, where both sides will present arguments, is set for March 10, 2026.

In courts

The petition was filed by the Shaurimoyo River Bank Settlement Scheme and several individuals representing over 3,000 residents, including traders from Gikomba Cloth Market and families from Blue Estate and Kamukunji. 

They are represented by Oyoo P. & Associates and have named the Water Resources Authority and Nairobi City County as respondents.

Residents say they are lawful allottees, settled on the land by the defunct Nairobi City Council in 2002, and have lived there for more than 25 years. 

They argue the 14-day demolition notice lacked compensation, resettlement plans, or meaningful public consultation.

The petition also challenges the rigid enforcement of the 30-metre riparian reserve rule, which residents say unfairly targets vulnerable communities while ignoring other developments.

They warn the demolitions could leave thousands homeless, including schoolchildren and expectant mothers, creating a potential humanitarian crisis.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino shared the court orders publicly, saying: “Gikomba is the heartbeat of thousands of families. Development should not come at the expense of livelihoods.”

The case will return to court on March 10 for further directions.

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