Government demolishes Ukay Mall (Photos)

Demolition of the Nakumatt Ukay in Nairobi is underway.

The High Court on Thursday declined to issue orders stopping the Government from demolishing the mall situated in Westlands.

Ukay Centre owners claimed that Nairobi City Council duly approved the construction of their premises in 1994 and building plans were approved on July 16 of the same year.

“The petitioner has a legitimate expectation that any buildings located on its property are properly and legally thereon and Nairobi City County having authorised construction, it should be stopped from claiming otherwise and any other subsequent laws which purports to change the definition of a riparian section after the construction offends our legitimate expectation that he would enjoy quiet possession of the property,” the court papers read.

Thousands of buildings, owned by powerful individuals are being targeted in the demolition exercise that kicked off on Monday and is expected to last for about two months.

In a report by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), dated June 26, the Government has earmarked buildings, structures and even facilities sitting on riparian land which will soon be flattened.

On Monday, the multi-agency team comprising of NEMA, KURA and Nairobi County brought down Shell petrol station in Kileleshwa along with the popular Java restaurant, a tenant of the station.

On Tuesday, Southend Mall along Lang’ata Road which authorities say it sat on Ngong River bed became the latest causality in the demolition exercise.