Pay us Sh130m, investor tells county over floods
A housing firm is demanding Sh130 million from the county government and the environmental watchdog, claiming that some developments around Kirichwa River have degraded its premises.
This, the company says, has rendered its house — worth the suit amount — uninhabitable and tenants have since left, says Annanivas Limited (AL).
Kirichwa River, which passes through Lavington, is a tributary of Nairobi River.
Upon payment of the money, AL says it will transfer the property to the county and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema).
The firm claims that buildings constructed into the riparian reserve of Kirichwa River have interfered with the smooth flow of the water, resulting in flooding at its house.
As a result of the flooding, AL says it has been unable to retain tenants.
“As a direct result of the flooding, the petitioner is unable to charge the market rent of Sh240,000 and is only able to charge Sh170,000 a month,” reads the petition.
The company is also seeking orders compelling and directing the respondents to demolish all the buildings enchroaching on the river’s reserve.
AL claims that its attempts to have the then City Council of Nairobi to remove illegal structures around the river bore no fruits.
According to the suit papers, AL’s house is currently leased out to World Relief Kenya, an international non-governmental organisation.
The firm further alleges that as a direct consequence of the flooding, the property has lost its value and attempts to sell it have hit a snag.
It argues that the county government has abdicated its responsibility by allowing illegal structures around the river.