Ruto’s Nairobi River plan: 60km sewer line, 50,000 houses among key projects
The President emphasised that the project would not only improve sanitation but also create employment opportunities for thousands of youth.
President William Ruto has launched the Nairobi Rivers Engineering Works, a large-scale project to restore the heavily polluted Nairobi River and transform the city's environment.
Speaking on Monday at Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi, Ruto outlined the ambitious plans under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, which includes constructing a 60-kilometre sewer line and the development of social housing along the riverbanks.
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“Today, March 10, we are starting a huge project under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme. We will construct a 60-kilometre sewer line so that we do away with wastewater and sewerage to make the Nairobi River clean,” Ruto said.
The President emphasised that the project would not only improve sanitation but also create employment opportunities for thousands of youth. He revealed that at least 30,000 jobs would be generated from the initiative, which includes removing solid waste, unclogging the river and widening and deepening the waterway to prevent flooding.
As part of the environmental rehabilitation efforts, weir dams will be built to regulate water levels and wetlands will be established to assist in water purification. The President assured Kenyans that within two years, the Nairobi River would be transformed into a recreational space.
“I want to assure you that in under two years, we will transform Nairobi River into a recreation place,” he said.
A significant component of the project is the construction of over 50,000 social housing units along the riverbanks, providing affordable homes for Nairobi residents. Ruto affirmed that those displaced from riparian land would be among the beneficiaries.
“We will also build 50,000 social houses, making sure that our youth get employed while also making the city clean. We will need 30,000 people,” he added.
To enhance infrastructure and urban planning, the programme includes the development of community parks, public halls and toilets. Additionally, 44 pedestrian and vehicular bridges will be constructed to improve connectivity across different parts of the city.
Walkways and cycle lanes will be installed along the river, accompanied by streetlights to enhance security and accessibility. To further support economic activity, modern markets will be built for traders, and the Kariobangi wastewater treatment plant will be expanded to improve sewer management.
The initiative also aims to address soil erosion and enhance biodiversity through extensive tree planting along the riverbanks. Another major environmental intervention is the rehabilitation of the Dandora dumpsite, which has long been a source of pollution in Nairobi.
According to the project scope, the initial phase of infrastructure development will cover 27.2 kilometers from Naivasha Road to Dandora Falls, before expanding to Mathare and Ngong River in later phases.
President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to job creation, revealing that 40,000 youth would be employed under the program. He noted that 22,000 youth were already engaged in the Climate Worx Programme and an additional 18,000 would be recruited to support the Nairobi River cleanup.
“We will give employment to 40,000 youths. We have 22,000 and we will add 18,000 more youths to support the Climate Worx Programme in a bid to clean the Nairobi River,” he said.
The Nairobi River Regeneration Program is part of the government’s broader urban renewal strategy, aimed at improving living conditions, enhancing economic opportunities and restoring Nairobi’s natural environment.
The president was accompanied by his deputy Kithure Kindiki, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Lands and Public Works Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris and other leaders.
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