Multi-Billion Shilling High-End Office Block - 14 Riverside in Nairobi's Westlands Area to Be Demolished

The multi-billion shilling exclusive office block, 14 Riverside in Nairobi's Westlands area is set to be the next victim of the ongoing crackdown on buildings sitting on riparian land in Nairobi.

Julius Wanjau, who is supervising the demolition of illegal buildings in the city said a section of the high-end offices built on more than five-acre land and spread over six blocks, stands on wetlands and will soon be brought down.

“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 Wanjau without disclosing timelines.

The structure will join other expensive buildings including Ukay Centre and South End Mall, which have been flattened in the last few weeks.

The commercial complex that is owned by the Sanghrajka family, proprietors of Tile & Carpet Centre, was opened in 2012 and comprises office blocks with retail spaces on the ground floor, a parking silo and a 100-room hotel.

14 Riverside exclusive office park hosts offices to a number of multinationals including Reckitt Benckiser, Amadeus Global Travel Distribution Ltd, Colgate Palmolive (EA) Limited and Cellulant Kenya Limited.

It also houses dusitD2, a top-end hotel with roots in Bangkok, University of Nairobi’s Chiromo Campus and Brighter Monday Limited.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko have vowed to ensure all buildings sitting on riparian land and road reserves are cleared.