- President William Ruto launches the Nairobi Rivers Restoration Project.
- A 60-kilometer sewer line will be built to reduce pollution in the Nairobi River.
- 50,000 low-cost homes planned along riverbanks to ease housing shortages.
- Infrastructure upgrades include bridges, parks, and markets.
- Dandora dumpsite to be rehabilitated to curb environmental damage.
President William Ruto has unveiled a multi-phase initiative aimed at cleaning up the Nairobi River while upgrading urban infrastructure.
Speaking in Eastleigh on March 10, Ruto highlighted that the Nairobi Rivers Restoration Project will not only revive the environment but also create employment opportunities and improve living standards in the capital.
“We are launching a major effort to restore Nairobi River. A 60-kilometer sewer system will be built to stop wastewater from polluting the river,” Ruto announced.
Environmental Cleanup and Infrastructure Upgrades
The cleanup effort will focus on:
Removing waste and clearing blockages in the river.
Constructing weir dams to regulate water flow.
Creating wetlands to naturally filter pollutants.
The project also includes plans to rehabilitate the Dandora dumpsite, which has long been a source of pollution in Nairobi.
Affordable Housing and Job Creation
A key component of the initiative is the construction of 50,000 low-cost homes along the riverbanks to provide affordable housing to city residents.
“This project will create 30,000 jobs, giving young people work opportunities while improving the city’s environment,” Ruto stated.
The plan also involves:
New pedestrian and road bridges to improve movement.
Community parks and green spaces to beautify the city.
Modernized markets to support local businesses.
Improving Sanitation and Water Management
To enhance Nairobi’s wastewater system, the Kariobangi treatment plant will be expanded to improve sewer management.
The first phase of the project will cover 27.2 kilometers, stretching from Naivasha Road to Dandora Falls, before expanding to Mathare and Ngong River in later stages.
Through this initiative, the government aims to transform Nairobi into a cleaner, more organized, and livable city while tackling environmental and housing challenges.
