Nairobi River's Bold New Rescue Mission: A City Revived

You have collaborated separately with individuals from Nairobi. Regeneration projects for the Nairobi River improvement efforts For about twenty years now. In what ways does the present initiative started by President William Ruto differ from previous ones?

To genuinely revitalize the rivers, we need to address three key problems: sewage, solid waste, and flooding.

The most significant issue is sewage. It's believed that when the rivers reach Nairobi, nearly half of their flow consists of untreated wastewater. Even if you clean the river now without addressing the sewage problem, contamination will persist. Another major concern is solid waste. – plastics, garbage, and debris find their way into the rivers due to gaps in waste management. The third is flooding, which gets worse each year due to climate change, poor land use, and encroachment on natural floodplains. Nairobi was built on flood plains, and the initial city planners had set aside riparian corridors to accommodate flooding, but these have been encroached upon.

The proclamation of the Nairobi River Corridor as a Special Planning Area (SPA) [in March 2025] This represents significant progress. The SPA classification facilitates an interconnected strategy. It empowers us to address these issues systematically and enduringly.

In March, President William Ruto initiated the Nairobi River Regeneration Program. This program centers around investments in infrastructure. : Constructing 60 kilometers of main sewer lines starting from Naivasha Road via Dagoretti, Kawangware, up to Dandora aims to capture sewage that presently flows directly into rivers. Furthermore, new local wastewater treatment plants will be established to support the obsolete Ruai treatment station. Initially, the decentralized unit at Kariobangi will expand its capability fourfold to manage an extra 60,000 cubic meters of waste water daily, ensuring Nairobi can cope with its anticipated growth to around 10.5 to 11 million inhabitants by 2050.

The issue of solid waste will be tackled by building three traps for debris along the river and assisting Nairobi City County with their efforts to manage solid waste. Additionally, we plan to install oil capture systems close to garages where they dispose of oils directly into waterways.

To address flooding issues, river channels will undergo deepening and widening processes, along with the construction of embankments designed to handle larger amounts of water. Additionally, nature-inspired approaches like the creation of wetlands and riverfront parks will be implemented to reduce flood risk and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the urban area.

What steps will be taken to restore the riparian reserve alongside the Nairobi River?

Following last year’s catastrophic flooding, it was evident that restoring the 30-meter riparian buffer zone was essential for safeguarding lives and maintaining the health of the river ecosystem. To assist those who were forced to leave their makeshift homes, approximately 10,000 units of social and affordable housing are being developed as part of this initiative.

The aim extends beyond mere housing to revamping Nairobi’s river corridors. Our plan involves developing uninterrupted green spaces along with dedicated areas for non-motorized transportation (NMT). A prime illustration of this initiative is the area spanning from Museum Roundabout to First Avenue in Eastleigh, set to become a showcase project featuring pedestrian pathways, cycling lanes, and appealing riverside zones, seamlessly connected with adjacent marketplaces.

The aim is to revitalize the riverfront area, making it vibrant, secure, and easily reachable, by incorporating marketplaces such as Gikomba, Ngara, and Nyayo. Instead of relocating traders, the initiative plans to reconstruct and rearrange these markets so they face the riverside, thereby boosting trade activities.

We recogni s In Nairobi, the business community stands at the core of its economic activity. Regenerating the area requires involving those who rely on the local environment for their income. Thus, we are collaborating closely with merchants to make sure that the redevelopment enhances their well-being, safeguards them against fire hazards, and provides superior facilities.

What is the purpose of the Declaration of the Nairobi River Basin c Orridor as a Special Planning Area (SPA) )?

The SPA serves as the legal and planning foundation that will integrate all aspects. It facilitates organized public participation, aligns various laws and planning standards, and guarantees that upcoming projects consider both ecological and communal requirements.

Many believe that the SPA involves destroying private property, but this isn’t accurate. It actually establishes a 60-meter wide planning strip (with half designated as the riparian area). Our approach includes interacting with local populations, validating past permissions and ownership rights, all while addressing contemporary issues such as floods and climate shifts through strategic planning.

Resident groups like KARA have started getting involved, and we're extending our discussions both upstream and downstream.

What type of mutually beneficial outcome are you imagining?

Initially, safeguarding the rivers ensures public well-being. Polluted riverwater impacts agricultural lands further down that provide produce for Nairobi. By defending these rivers, we secure our food supply chain and minimize health hazards such as water-related illnesses and potentially cancer.

Secondly, landowners stand to gain advantages. Safeguarding riparian zones does not strip them of their property rights; instead, it provides guidelines for proper land utilization. With the introduction of sewer systems and infrastructure, the worth of neighboring properties is likely to increase, facilitating denser and more sustainable construction projects.

Thirdly, establishing predictability via the SPA process guarantees that property owners, developers, and planners have clear understanding of what actions are permissible and their specific locations. – eliminating today's ambiguity and contradictory rules.

To be very clear, d So do we anticipate any movements of people or buildings being torn down?

If necessary, any The displacement will occur through legal means and with empathy, involving relocation to social housing or providing appropriate compensation. Previous clearance efforts in 2024 addressed urgent flooding threats; upcoming actions will adhere to a well-organized consultation procedure.

It’s crucial to emphasize that the regeneration initiative seeks to improve conditions for the general populace without unjustly displacing residents. The plan does not includeforced evictions; instead, it focuses on organized relocation to more secure and healthy habitats.

There are many laws That directs progress in these fields. There is the W ater A ct. There is a P hysical P lanning A ct. There is the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) Some of these laws contradict each other. What approach will you take to resolve this issue?

The Physical Planning Regulations align current laws, establishing precise guidelines for development close to rivers, wetlands, and riparian areas. The SPA will take an additional step by incorporating scientific principles. ( flooding charts, construction strategies, ecological assessments ) to guide development.

Currently, enforcement is fragmented between Water Resource Authority, NEMA, and others. Once the SPA is approved as a local physical development plan, it becomes the binding framework that guides landowners and authorities consistently.

Are there avenues for members of the general public and civil society organizations to contest decisions? a number of choices that will be determined ?

Certainly. The Physical Planning Act allows for appeals via the mechanisms of the Nairobi County system and ultimately to the Environment and Land Court. Given its nature as a public interest initiative, this project significantly concerns matters related to land rights, public health, environmental justice, and sustainable development.

We encourage involvement from civil society to make certain that every voice is heard. , Not only property owners, but also downstream farmers, public health proponents, and community organizations are involved. , are heard.

What is the schedule for finishing this task? d evelopment p lan?

The legislation includes a two-year period that conveniently aligns with the schedule for finishing main sewer projects, flood prevention measures, and initial redevelopment activities.

Our objective for 2027 is to implement enhanced sewage networks, improved flood protection measures, and updated riverbanks extending from Museum Hill to First Avenue. in Eastleigh , and the SPA was legally established to guide future developments and investments in a sustainable manner.

So s In simple terms, what can people anticipate over the coming two years?

By 2027, our expectation is: 60 kilometers of trunk sewers finished ; d ecentralised sewage plants operational ; f flood-prone river segments were deepened, broadened, and reinforced with embankments ; c The ore sector rejuvenation project (spanning from Museum Hill to First Avenue) has been finished, incorporating walkways and integrating markets. ; a Affordable and community housing units to house those relocated ; and SPA finali s ed and operational to guide development.

Our objective includes extending this restoration effort to other rivers such as Mathare and Ngong, tackling issues related to Nairobi Dam. , which is essentially functioning as a big septic tank because of the sewage from Kibera , serves as an essential subsequent phase.

Have young individuals already been engaged in this project?

Certainly. Following the floods in 2024, the ClimateWorks Program hired 20,000 individuals. to 25,000 young people will clean rivers, remove debris, and get ready for comprehensive rejuvenation. This initiative served as a prelude.

Currently, the primary Nairobi River rejuvenation initiative will engage these young individuals and provide chances for another 20,000 participants, with emphasis on jobs requiring substantial labor. Additionally, youths will undergo training via Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs associated with social housing developments. Their schedule includes working for three weeks followed by one week dedicated to skill enhancement and education aimed at securing lasting job prospects.

The objective goes beyond just cleaning rivers; it aims to develop skills and foster a sense of ownership within communities, guaranteeing lasting sustainability.