MCAs question role of City Hall at Nairobi Rivers Commission as pollution persists
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
MCAs have called on the Assembly's Environment and Natural Resources Committee for transparency regarding the collaboration between the national government, represented by the Nairobi Rivers Commission, and the county government in addressing river pollution.
Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Nairobi have raised concerns over the lack of progress by the Nairobi Rivers Commission, which was established nearly two years ago to restore the city's rivers.
Despite significant funding, the rivers remain choked with filth, prompting questions about the commission's effectiveness and possible misuse of funds.
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Putting City Hall on the spot, Nairobi South B MCA Waithera Chege has called on the Assembly's Environment and Natural Resources Committee for transparency regarding the collaboration between the national government, represented by the Nairobi Rivers Commission, and the county government in addressing river pollution.
"The Constitution of 2010 mandates the county government to implement national policies on natural resources and environmental conservation, including soil and water conservation and forestry," she said.
In a statement before the house, Waithera, who is also the Deputy Minority leader, wants City Hall to clarify its role in managing Nairobi's rivers and disclose any financial implications incurred so far.
"The committee should also establish whether there is collaboration between the County Executive and the Nairobi Rivers Commission in the management and conservation of Nairobi River," she said in the statement.
The legislator also wants to know the specific role of the Nairobi County Government in the management and conservation of the Nairobi River.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission was launched by President William Ruto in December 2022 as a collaborative effort between the national government and Nairobi County to reclaim and restore the polluted rivers.
President William Ruto launches the Nairobi River Regeneration Project in Korogocho, Nairobi, on Thursday, September 12, 2024. (Photo: PCS)
At the time, President Ruto announced that the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with Nairobi County, would employ at least 12,000 young people and women for river clean-up efforts and tree planting.
Governor Johnson Sakaja subsequently confirmed that this initiative would replace the Kazi Mtaani programme, which the President had scrapped in October 2022.
The governor also highlighted Nairobi's urgent need for funding, estimating Sh4.5 billion in the short term, Sh6 billion in the medium term, and Sh19 billion over five years to develop a proper sewerage system.
Previously, the county government had conducted smaller clean-up efforts along the rivers, often involving youth groups and partnerships with environmental organisations.
However, nothing has been publicised concerning the role City Hall plays in the commission.
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