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DP Gachagua rallies leaders to fast-track regeneration of Nairobi's rivers

A joint team of Nairobi City County Government, NEMA and other government agencies during a past clean-up of Nairobi River. (Photo: NCCG)

By Charity Kilei | 25 Apr 2024

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasised that the project will involve relocating individuals from riparian and adjacent areas.

The scramble for riparian land has escalated over the decades, with certain individuals seizing and erecting structures in these areas.

A riparian land is defined as the area of land adjacent to rivers, lakes, streams, or other water bodies. This land is subject to specific regulations and legal protections to preserve water quality, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure public access to water resources.

Speaking at his official residence on Wednesday in Karen during a meeting with Nairobi County elected leaders, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, and senior government officials at a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday regarding the regeneration of Nairobi's rivers, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasised that the project will involve relocating individuals from riparian and adjacent areas.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Nairobi River Commission meeting at Karen, Nairobi on April 24, 2024. (Photo: DPCS)

The DP noted that he has received reports that residents along the three rivers; Nairobi River, Mathare River and Ngong River are willing to relocate.

"The issue at hand is dealing with those claiming to own the properties on the riparian areas "noted Gachagua.

According to Gachagua, a multi-agency approach will be taken to tackle the issue of the riparian areas in Ngong, Mathare and Nairobi that have been mapped and divided into 18 zones for coordination.

Nairobi city is facing challenges with its limited drainage system, exacerbated in areas lacking infrastructure, necessitating a collective effort to restore order. The primary objective of the commission is to reclaim rivers, reflecting a renewed commitment to rejuvenate Nairobi's waterways.

A joint team of Nairobi City County Government, NEMA and other government agencies during a past clean-up of Nairobi River. (Photo: NCCG)

"This endeavour is crucial because Nairobi serves as the gateway to Africa and stands as a premier investment destination, both continentally and globally our nation must not be deprived of its rightful potential," Gachagua said.

The DP emphasised the importance of a multi-agency approach to transform the rivers and the crucial role of the national government with regards to the integration of affordable housing plans with river regeneration efforts.

"We must connect affordable housing initiatives with the revitalisation of our rivers," stated Gachagua.

He called for collaboration among elected leaders in Nairobi County to improve the well-being of city residents and support ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Nairobi's rivers.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Nairobi River Commission meeting with the Nairobi County leadership at Karen, Nairobi on April 24, 2024. (Photo: DPCS)

He stressed the importance of setting aside political differences, urging MPs, MCAs, Senators, and governors to focus on collective progress rather than divisive politics, reaffirming the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to engaging leaders from all political backgrounds.

Last year, President William Ruto established the Regeneration Commission to tackle river pollution, starting with Nairobi County.

Ngong River, alongside Nairobi River and others, previously renowned for its scenic beauty, now bears the brunt of environmental degradation as it becomes a dumping ground for various forms of waste.