The new era of demolitions of illegal structures started by demolitions of some structures in Kibera that were said to have occupied road reserves. Kenyans went frenzy over the demolitions, asking the government to both treat the owners and occupants of said structures humanely and to also compensate them. Weeks later the government started targeting high-end malls that included Java House in Kileleshwa, a Shell petrol station adjacent to the Java House, South End Mall in Nairobi West, and Nakumatt Ukay in Westlands. Immediately these high-end structures started going down, Kenyans started demanding for the blood of Taj Mall, Weston Hotel, and a few other structures they deemed constructed either on road reserves or riparian lands.
As Kenyans kept on demanding for Taj Mall and Weston hotel to come down, the government through the Nairobi Regeneration team announced that there are some 4000 structures earmarked for demolitions. Today, August the 16th 2018, M. A. Nyakiongora who is the chairman of Multisectoral Committee on unsafe structures issued a public notice to the effect that Taj Mall (currently known as AirgateĀ Mall), to be taken down before August 20th 2018.
“Notice is hereby given to the owner(s)/developer(s) of the illegal development, namely AIRGATE MALL, formerly Taj Mall, situated at the North Airport Road at the junction of OuteringĀ Road, which has encroached on the road reserve and wayleave hindering the continuance of construction of the Outering Road.
“The owner(s)/developers are asked to remove this illegal development before 30th August 2018.
“The Occupants/Tenants at the AIRGATE MALL are asked to immediately vacate the building prior to the expiry of the notice.Ā Upon the expiry of this notice, the illegal development will be demolished or removed from the road reserve and wayleave at the owner(s)/developer(s) risk and cost”.
.
With the notice to demolish Taj Mall out, the next expected notice is that of Weston Hotel, which has been accused of occupying land belonging to Wilson Airport or of Langata Primary School. Days ago Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko publicly announced himself that Weston Hotel and Taj Mall are part of the 4000 illegal structures targeted for demolitions.
