Juliani's multi-million building to be demolished following CS' orders

• Dandora Hip Hop City building, a vital hub for local youth and artists, is facing imminent demolition due to its proximity to the Dandora River
• The centre, located 30 meters from the river, has been a sanctuary for young people seeking to express themselves through hip-hop, dance, and visual arts
• The government plans to reclaim the riparian reserves, rehabilitate rivers in Nairobi, and establish recreation facilities

The Dandora Hip Hop City building, in the heart of Dandora, is facing imminent demolition.

The centre, which has served as a vital hub for local youth and artists for over seven years, has been notified that it will be torn down due to its proximity to the Dandora River.

This follows an order by the Ministry of Interior that all buildings located near rivers should be demolished.

The news broke through emotional social media posts from both Dandora Hip Hop City's official Twitter account and its founder, renowned Kenyan rapper Juliani.

The centre, located 30 meters from the river, has been a sanctuary for young people seeking to express themselves through hip-hop, dance, and visual arts.

"Got the news that our space will be demolished tomorrow. We have been in existence for the last 7 years+. Kindly put us in prayers. Join us as we will be doing a press release tomorrow at DHC," read the tweet from Dandora Hip Hop City.

Juliani echoed these sentiments in his own post, adding that the 2-storey building was purchased more than 7 years ago.

The announcement has triggered an outpouring of support from the community and fan and beyond.

Dandora Hip Hop City has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many young people in the area, providing a safe space to develop their talents and engage in positive activities.

READ: Rapper Juliani narrates how he got his stage name

The centre has not only nurtured artistic talents but also fostered a sense of community and resilience among its members.

Images from the centre show workers beginning to dismantle parts of the building, marking the start of what many fear will be a significant loss for the community.

The demolition of Dandora Hip Hop City not only threatens to remove a physical structure but also dismantle a vital part of the community's cultural fabric.

The centre has become a symbol of hope and creativity, providing a platform for youth to escape the challenges of their environment and build a better future.

Juliani has launched several projects at Dandora Hip Hop City, aimed at empowering the community through music, education, and entrepreneurship.

These projects include:

1. School of Rhyme - A music school that provides a platform for nurturing talent and creativity among the youth.
2. Hip Hop City FM - A community radio station to engage the community and provide a platform for artistic expression.
3. Business Incubator - An initiative that supports entrepreneurship and provides opportunities for individuals interested in business, technology, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.

Government Demolition order

In a statement on May 24, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said that erecting buildings and structures within the 30-metre riparian corridor is prohibited in law, clogs the rivers, and exposes dwellers on riparian reserves to grave danger of loss of life and property.

"To prevent re-encroachment, the reclaimed riparian reserves are being trenched, fenced and the planting of riverine ecosystem trees is underway.

The government will utilise paid labour from local community and purchase seedlings from local Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and youth groups in the reclamation and regeneration of the riparian corridor ecosystem," the statement read in part.

Subsequently, the government intends to rehabilitate rivers in Nairobi and establish recreation facilities for access and use by members of the public for free.