Parliament has halted the demolition of Seefar Apartments in Nairobi, directing the government’s multi-agency team to reassess the building’s status. The National Assembly’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee issued an order to vacate the 2018 demolition notice from the Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) and National Environment Management Authority (Nema).
Committee chairman Kareke Mbiuki criticized the agencies for issuing the notice without supporting technical documentation. 'How was the decision to demolish Seefar Apartments reached when this committee has not received any report recommending the action?' he questioned during a meeting with Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko.
Mr. Moses Nyakiongora, secretary of the National Buildings Inspectorate, confirmed the 12-story complex is structurally safe but highlighted risks posed by its location on the Ngong River’s course. 'The building can remain, but the dam must be addressed for safety,' he stated.
This marks the second time the committee has intervened to protect the apartments. In November 2018, lawmakers proposed destroying the Nairobi Dam to prevent demolition, arguing the structure was obsolete. The committee accused Warma and Nema of inconsistency, noting they had previously approved the building’s construction before ordering its removal.
In October 2018, Warma and Nema issued a 14-day demolition notice, claiming the 260-unit complex occupies the Nairobi Dam’s riparian reserve. The latest parliamentary action suspends that directive pending further evaluation.
