Ruto warns polluters as Nairobi River cleanup begins

President William Ruto has issued a clear warning to individuals suspected of polluting the Nairobi River.

During the launch of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project on Thursday, Ruto cautioned individuals and organisations responsible for the pollution, signalling that action will be taken against them.

Speaking from Korogocho, Nairobi, the President emphasised that those found discharging raw sewage or waste into the river will face legal consequences.

"Those industries, whether public or private entities, polluting our rivers will be held to account, and you will pay for it," Ruto declared.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Principal Secretaries Festus Ng'eno (Environment and Climate Change), Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration), Teresia Mbaika (Devolution), Charles Hinga (Housing and Urban Development), and UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr. Stephen Jackson were with the President.

The Nairobi River Regeneration Project marks a significant step by the Kenya Kwanza government towards improving the state of the city's waterways and addressing broader environmental challenges.

At the same time, the Head of State officially launched the Climate Resilience Service Programme (CRSP), a transitional employment programme aimed at fostering climate resilience by engaging the unemployed youth in the country.

Ruto said the programme will be part of Climate WorX Mtaani, which aims to recruit at least 200,000 youths from 47 counties.

The programme will advance sustainable public projects in urban areas, emphasising improvements in infrastructure, environmental conservation, and housing.

Workers clean riparian land at the launch of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project in Korogocho, Nairobi, on Thursday, September 12, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

The initial phase of the CRSP will begin in Nairobi County, specifically along the Nairobi River. The Nairobi River Commission will oversee this phase, which will focus on strict environmental enforcement.

"We are going to hire 20,000 youth to work on the 42km stretch of the Nairobi River to clean and restore it. I urge you to apply through www.crsp.go.ke for a chance to secure these jobs," Ruto announced.

Kenyans above the age of 18 across all counties are eligible for the programme, with each cohort serving for a period of one year.

Each year, the government will recruit a new cohort. The government has set the one-year duration to give the youth enough time to work and plan their next steps in life.

During the engagement period, the youth will not only participate in the work programme but will also receive life skills training.

The implementing partners will adopt a multi-agency approach, with strong collaboration between the national and county governments.

President Ruto highlighted that the initiative aims to enhance climate resilience, restore natural ecosystems, and create employment opportunities for Kenya's youth.

"Climate works is a powerful, inclusive, and transformative intervention. This initiative will concentrate on ecological restoration and the upkeep of public infrastructure, especially in riverine areas that are susceptible to flooding," he stated.

By addressing these areas, the government hopes to mitigate flood risks and enhance safety in Nairobi's river basin settlements.

The  Climate WorX programme, as outlined by President Ruto, will employ 200,000 young people from across Kenya.

President William Ruto addresses the media at the launch of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project in Korogocho, Nairobi, on Thursday, September 12, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

This programme will involve young men and women in critical infrastructure and environmental projects within their communities. It will also focus on empowering youth by involving them in improving infrastructure, constructing bridges, developing green spaces, and planting trees.

"Our vision for Climate Works is to activate talent and capability in community service, entrepreneurship, and further education," President Ruto said. "This initiative will be a platform where diverse skills and competencies are applied to climate action and community transformation."

The President emphasised that  Climate WorX aims to eliminate illegal waste dumping and discharge, build resilient communities, and foster sustainable neighbourhoods. By involving young people, the programme aims to address the challenges posed by climate change while also creating job opportunities.

The initial phase of  Climate WorX will kick off in Nairobi County on October 1, 2024.

During this phase, 20,000 young people will be recruited to begin work along the Nairobi River. The programme will then expand to other major cities, including Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru, with an additional 40,000 youth joining by early November.

The President announced that Climate Works will roll out nationwide by December, onboarding a total of 140,000 young people.

In addition, President Ruto encouraged all young Kenyans to apply for the programme.

"I encourage young people to be part of making Kenya's cities, urban spaces, and neighbourhoods livable, smart, green, and sustainable. Applications can be made through the program's website, www.crsp.go.ke," he said.