Restore riparian land but factor in human rights

An excavator demolishes structures erected on riparian land at Kiamaiko in Nairobi. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

As World Environment Day was celebrated globally this week, images of the demolition of houses and business premises in Nairobi flooded the mainstream and other media, with wails and tears as affected citizens claimed inadequate notice.

World Environment Day is marked every June 5 to promote action against air pollution, climate change, plastic pollution, and food security among others. This year's theme focused on land restoration, desertification, and climate resilience, clearly aligning with the Nairobi demolitions. However, rights issues abound.