Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | President William Ruto has announced an ambitious new initiative aimed at revitalizing Nairobi River within the next year.
During the launch of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project in Korogocho on Thursday 12, September 2024, Mr. Ruto outlined plans to tackle the pollution in phases, starting on October 1.
The first phase of the cleanup will involve 20,000 youth, with priority given to residents of Korogocho and nearby areas, ensuring local communities benefit directly from the project.
“In one year’s time, we want Nairobi River to change. The whole section along Nairobi river is going to be divided and we will ensure that there will be people at every stage,” he said.
“Our youth have an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our environment.”
President William Ruto has revealed that the initiative to restore Nairobi River is just the beginning of a broader strategy.
He announced plans to extend the project to other major cities in Kenya, providing even more employment opportunities for the country’s youth as the cleanup efforts scale up nationwide.
“Building on this foundation we will extend the program to the four major cities. Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and Nakuru within one month. And an additional 40,000 will be engaged with 10,000 of them allocated to other areas of Nairobi starting early November,” noted Ruto.
President William Ruto has delivered a strong message to individuals and businesses responsible for dumping waste into Nairobi River. He warned that those caught polluting the river will face severe penalties as the government intensifies efforts to restore the waterway.
“If you are going to be polluting the river you must prepare to make sure that you are held to account and you pay for it so that we can keep the rivers clean and everybody becomes responsible for their behaviour.”
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This initiative follows nearly two years after the formation of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, which was tasked with reclaiming the city’s rivers to enhance its green and blue infrastructure for a healthier urban environment.
As stated by President Ruto in a gazette notice, the commission’s responsibilities include overseeing the rehabilitation, protection, and sustainable development of Nairobi’s river basin.
Additionally, the commission is responsible for monitoring environmental compliance, creating codes of conduct, and collaborating with stakeholders to enforce regulations aimed at preserving the riverine areas within Nairobi City County.
