Governor Sakaja says Sh180 billion needed to clean Nairobi's main rivers
Governor Johnson Sakaja clarified that these demolitions were carried out by national government agencies.
Restoring Nairobi’s main rivers to a safe and clean state will require an estimated Sh180 billion, according to Governor Johnson Sakaja, underlining the enormous resources needed to rejuvenate the city’s waterways.
Sakaja explained that each river, Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong would need roughly Sh60 billion to return to its original condition, adding that the county alone cannot meet such financial demands.
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“Currently, counties can only borrow up to five per cent of their revenue. We cannot raise the money on our own to clear the rivers, which is why we work with the Nairobi Rivers Commission and national government departments,” he said.
The governor made the remarks while defending the Nairobi Regeneration Programme before the Senate Lands Committee on Thursday.
He also addressed concerns over last year’s demolitions along riverbanks, which left many residents homeless.
Sakaja clarified that these demolitions were carried out by national government agencies. “Our administration only declared sections along the rivers as special planning areas. This was a planning exercise and did not involve demolition.”
He added, “The demolitions were not done by us; they were carried out by the national government. Declaring special planning zones was simply an expression of intention, and we consulted local communities.”
Joining him in the session were Korogocho residents and officials from the Nairobi Rivers Commission, responding to a petition that raised issues about the inhumane manner of demolitions.
While acknowledging the difficulties caused by the evictions, Sakaja emphasised the importance of the regeneration project and its long-term benefits for residents.
“The initiative protects those living along the riverbanks and creates thousands of jobs for youth and local communities,” he said.
He stressed that cleaning the rivers would improve public safety, sanitation, security and environmental conditions. “Many have lost their lives due to floods, which is unacceptable. We are committed to cleaning the city together with the national government,” Sakaja said.
The governor also promised to accompany residents to relevant national offices to ensure they receive proper compensation for their losses.
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