Inside Ruto's meeting with Nairobi MPs on city development agenda

President William Ruto has called on Members of Parliament from Nairobi County to focus on pressing issues on development affecting the capital.

Speaking on Tuesday while hosting the MPs at State House, Nairobi, Ruto laid out an ambitious vision for transforming Kenya's capital, addressing pressing issues in education, environmental cleanup, and infrastructure.

With Nairobi's unique role as the face of the country, Ruto focused on the need to project a positive image of the city while improving the quality of life for its residents.

The President detailed plans to alleviate classroom shortages in Nairobi, setting a goal to build 5,000 new classrooms across the city.

"We are going to work with the members of parliament to build at least 5,000 new classrooms," Ruto stated, noting the urgency of the matter.

The government has already allocated Sh500 million through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to kickstart this effort.

"Our children in Nairobi deserve better learning environments, and it's essential we work together to make this happen," Ruto added, urging Nairobi's MPs to collaborate on the project.

Those who attended the meeting included Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo (Interior), Charles Hinga ( Housing), Nixon Korir (lands) and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja among other state officials.

MPs include John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Beatrice Elachi ( Dagoretti North), Benjamin Gathiru ( Embakasi Central), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), George Aladwa (Makadara), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang'ata), Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani) and Julius Mawatha from Embakasi South.

President William Ruto hosts Nairobi Members of the National Assembly at State House, Nairobi on November 12, 2024. (PCS)

Beyond education, the President's agenda includes a comprehensive plan to clean up Nairobi's rivers, an issue he described as crucial for both public health and environmental sustainability.

The Nairobi Rivers Commission, established under Ruto's administration, aims to clear garbage from the city's main rivers and ensure sustainable wastewater management.

"We want to clean the Nairobi River in a different way... in a way that resonates with the residents of this city," Ruto said, referencing past efforts by former Environment Minister John Michuki but insisting on a more community-centred approach.

A major component of the river cleanup plan, according to the President, involves constructing a 54-kilometre sewer line to prevent untreated wastewater from contaminating the rivers.

Ruto noted that addressing sewage management is critical to making the cleanup efforts lasting and effective.

"We are going to construct a trunk sewer of 54 kilometres to ensure that all the sewage currently flowing into the river goes through the right channels," he explained.

Plans also include widening the riverbanks to create pathways and public spaces that will enhance accessibility and bring aesthetic value to the riversides.

Progress on the river cleanup initiative has already seen substantial gains, according to the President, with nearly 75 kilometres of river cleared and over 69 kilometres unclogged.

Ruto said that at least 20,000 young people are currently employed in the river restoration program, underscoring the initiative's role in creating jobs while addressing environmental challenges.

The President also spoke about enhancing Nairobi's infrastructure, including road development and improved lighting. He highlighted the city's importance as Kenya's capital and regional hub.

"Nairobi is not just any city, it is Kenya's face to the world and the gateway to East Africa. We must work together to make it a city that reflects our best," Ruto said.