Multi-billion office blocks at 14 Riverside face demolition
Multi-billion shilling exclusive office block, 14 Riverside, has been targeted for demolition in the ongoing wave of flattening buildings built on riparian land in Nairobi.
Parts of the property, set on over five acres of land and spread over six blocks, sits on riparian land meaning that a section of the high-end office will be flattened.
Julius Wanjau, who is in charge of the operations, said 14 Riverside will be demolished but failed to give times lines.
“Yes, the building is on riparian land. Currently we are still continuing with demolitions at Ukay Centre before we go to Southend Mall to complete its demolition. Thereafter we will sit down as a team to consult on the next course of action,” said Mr Wanjau.
MOST EXPENSIVE DEMOLITION
This looks set to be the most expensive building to be brought down so far and will affect a number of multinationals hoisted at the exclusive office park.
The commercial complex, opened in 2012 and owned by the Sanghrajka family, proprietors of Tile & Carpet Centre, comprises office blocks with retail spaces on the ground floor, a parking silo and a 100-room hotel on the ground floor.
It is home to multi-nationals such as Reckitt Benckiser, Amadeus Global Travel Distribution Ltd, Colgate Palmolive (EA) Limited and Cellulant Kenya Limited.
Also hosted in the complex is dusitD2, a luxury hotel with roots in Bangkok.
Other companies that operate within the complex — in the serene neighbourhood behind the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo Campus — include Brighter Monday Limited.
Mr Wanjau said that the multi-agency team carrying out the demolitions would first focus on the completion of flattening Ukay Centre, Oshwal Centre and Southend Mall located at the Langata Road-Mbagathi Way junction.
CONTRAVENED LAW
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has also vowed that the exercise will continue but will only affect buildings that have contravened set laws and regulations.
Already, the demolition which is in its second week has seen prominent property brought down in prime areas like Kileleshwa, Westlands and Lang’ata.
The exercise started on Monday, August 6, where a Java House coffee outlet, a Shell petrol station and a Safe Dose pharmacy — which were operating in a building erected less than 30 metres from the banks of Nairobi River — were brought down.
On day two of the exercise more structures were cleared with residential houses built on Ring Road Kileleshwa next to Shell petrol station demolished by the team consisting of officials from the National Environment Management Authority, the National Youth Service and the Nairobi County government.