Where Did ‘SANY’ Go? The Unfinished Riparian Business

Where did SANY go? That has been a question that has remained lingering in the minds of many Kenyans. For those new in ‘Jerusalem’ and might not know what SANY is, this is a green excavator that had been demolishing buildings constructed on riparian land in Nairobi.

On the morning of 6th August 2018, SANY gained an instant fame after it brought down the popular joint Java and Shell Fuel Station in Kileleshwa. The businesses had been erected on the riparian land.

On 8th of August, SANY gained more courage and more fame when it finally brought down the much-talked-about Southend Mall, opposite T-Mall. The 1-billion shilling 5-story building belonged to a former member of parliament.

Kenyans cheered on. SANY was doing a good job. With the same courage and determination, SANY shocked Kenyans when it brought down the iconic Ukay Mall that housed Nakumatt Ukay among other businesses.

From there, SANY landed on Oshwal Education Centre, demolishing part of that was said to have been encroached the river. It was at that point that Kenyans now realized that SANY together with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was serious.

At some point, governor for Kiambu, Ferdinand Waititu, suggested that instead of demolishing buildings constructed on waterways, we move the rivers instead. We laughed and ridiculed him but it seems the authorities involved ‘bought his idea.’

The next building that had been earmarked for demolition was the much-talked-about Taj Mall. Kenyans cheered on. They knew that SANY will not disappoint. The owner of Taj Mall came out furious, guns blazing, daring SANY to demolish his building.

Ever since, SANY seems to have gone into hiding, never to be seen except a few weeks ago during the demolition of some vibandas in Githurai. Where is SANY?

More than 4,000 buildings had been earmarked for demolition with those notable demolitions being less than ten. Areas that had been earmarked for massive demolitions of buildings on riparian land included Limuru Road, Arboretum Road, Spring Valley, Globe Cinema, Riverside Drive, Westlands, Parklands, Fuata Nyayo Estate in South B, Village Market, Gem Suites in Riverside and Alina Villas in Spring Valley.