Residents of Imara Daima in Nairobi have moved to court seeking urgent action over what they describe as years of unchecked environmental and planning violations in the area.
In a constitutional petition filed at the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi, the Imara Daima Estate Association (IDEA) accuses the Nairobi City County Government and top county officials of failing to enforce planning and environmental laws.
The association says this failure has exposed residents to unsafe and unhealthy living conditions.
The petition lists the Nairobi City County Government as the first respondent, followed by the Governor, the Director of Planning Compliance and Enforcement, the Embakasi South Subcounty Administrator, and the Imara Daima Ward Administrator.
“The Petitioner brings this petition on its own behalf and on behalf of homeowners and residents of Imara Daima Estate, Villa Franca Estate, Mastermind Flats, Kings Millenium Apartments, Muimara Estate, Sunrise Park Estate, Oak Park Estate, Imara Gardens Estate, and Daima Springs Estate who are affected by the matters complained of herein,” read part of the petition.
Imara Daima Longstanding Planning Failures
In the petition, the residents accuse the county government of allowing illegal structures to be built on public land, including road reserves, footpaths, and stormwater drainage systems.
They say these encroachments have blocked key infrastructure and interfered with proper urban planning.
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The Imara Daima residents’ petition also highlighted widespread encroachment onto wayleaves and public utilities.
In addition, the residents argue that such actions have made it difficult to maintain essential services and have increased the risk of disasters.
Flooding is also a major concern raised in the case.
The association claims that blocked storm drains have led to severe flooding during rain, damaging homes and roads across the area.
Further, some sewer lines are reportedly blocked by illegal construction over manholes, raising serious public health concerns.
Imara Daima’s road infrastructure has also been affected.
The petition cites damage to Cosmos Ndeti Road, Moses Tanui Road, and roads within Imara Daima and Villa Franca estates, which residents say have worsened mobility and increased safety risks due to poor road conditions.
The residents also accuse county enforcement officers of failing to take action despite being aware of the violations, allowing the situation to persist for years.
Public Health and Security Concerns
Beyond infrastructure issues, the residents also point to growing public health and security problems.
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Traders, they argue, have occupied open spaces, storm drains, and bus stops and, in the process, dump waste into drainage systems, worsening sanitation conditions.
The association further notes that the lack of toilet facilities for informal traders has forced many to relieve themselves in the open, creating a health hazard in residential areas.
Security has also been affected, with residents citing vandalism of streetlights along key roads, including Tegla Lorupe Road, Cosmos Ndeti Road, and Railway Station Road.
The absence of lighting, they say, has increased insecurity in the area.
Other concerns raised include stalled vehicles and stray animals that obstruct the road and pose a danger to road users.
Through the petition, the residents argue that the county government and its officers have neglected their legal duty to enforce existing laws on planning, environment, and public health.
They say the failure to act has violated their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
The petition cites provisions of the Constitution and relevant environmental and planning laws, arguing that authorities have breached their obligations under these legal frameworks.
The case now places pressure on the Nairobi County leadership to respond to the claims and outline any measures taken to address the issues raised by the residents.
The court is expected to determine whether Sakaja’s administration failed in its mandate and whether it should be compelled to take corrective action to restore order and protect residents in Imara Daima.
