Renewed hope for Nairobi River as thousands of youth drive clean-up exercise
This programme empowers local communities to take charge of environmental challenges while supporting Kenya’s wider climate goals.
Nairobi River is seeing renewed hope as thousands of local youths and community groups actively participate in its clean-up and restoration, complementing the government’s extensive sewer project aimed at transforming the polluted river corridor.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission, which coordinates the effort, highlights that more than 35,000 young people have already taken part in clearing waste and restoring riverbanks, with an additional 5,000 expected to join soon under the Climate WorX initiative.
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This programme empowers local communities to take charge of environmental challenges while supporting Kenya’s wider climate goals.
Brigadier Joseph Muracia, CEO of the Commission, noted that the river has long suffered from solid waste, broken sewer lines, and untreated industrial discharge, which have severely degraded its condition.
“For decades, the river has been choked by solid waste, ageing sewer infrastructure, and untreated industrial and institutional waste. This project aims to change that,” he said.
The ongoing works involve constructing a new trunk sewer line and wastewater treatment plants, aiming to reduce pollution and restore the river’s natural flow.
These efforts are part of the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme, launched in March by President William Ruto, who described the Sh50 billion initiative as transformative for Nairobi and the surrounding counties.
In addition to the sewer system, the programme will develop pedestrian bridges, cycling lanes, landscaping, and affordable housing along the river corridor.
At Kamukunji, a community football pitch and hall are already under construction, reflecting the project’s social and recreational focus.
The Ministry of Defence is leading the project’s design and implementation, working with multiple government bodies, including Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, Nairobi County, the State Department for Housing, and Energy China.
This multi-agency approach is vital for addressing the complex environmental and infrastructural challenges affecting the river basin.
President Ruto emphasised that the initiative will improve living conditions, promote sustainable transport, and boost economic empowerment.
“This initiative will ensure dignified living, sustainable transport, and economic empowerment,” he said. “In 24 months, Kenyans will begin to see a transformed Nairobi River.”
The programme’s reach extends beyond Nairobi to parts of Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, Murang’a, and Makueni counties, targeting pollution control, flood management, and public health improvement. It includes plans for a 60-kilometre sewer line and 50,000 affordable housing units to be built in areas reclaimed from pollution and neglect.
Funding for the project has been bolstered by the 2025/26 national budget, which allocated Sh26.8 billion for water and sewerage infrastructure, Sh16.5 billion for water resource management, and Sh1.9 billion for flood control and water storage.
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These resources will support ongoing river restoration efforts and related water projects nationwide.
This initiative marks a critical step toward restoring the Nairobi River as a key urban asset, balancing environmental sustainability with social and economic development, and demonstrating the power of community involvement alongside government commitment.
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