Nairobi County Partners with NRC to Restore Nairobi Rivers and Transform Riparian Areas into Public Green Spaces
Green Nairobi CECM Maureen Njeri (right) and Lieutenant Colonel Kahigu Njoroge (right), during the inspection of the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project at Kamukunji, Nairobi.
The Nairobi City County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) in the ongoing Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme aimed at restoring the capital’s heavily polluted waterways and transforming riparian areas into vibrant public green spaces.
The initiative, which focuses on the Nairobi, Ngong and Mathare rivers, seeks to address decades of pollution caused by uncontrolled urbanisation, illegal dumping, and weak infrastructure, while creating sustainable spaces for recreation, transport, and community livelihoods along the river corridors.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the regeneration works at Kamukunji, Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, Ms. Maureen Njeri, said the project marked a turning point in the city’s environmental history and would redefine how Nairobians interact with their rivers.
“For many years, our rivers have been neglected and treated as dumping grounds. The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project is the change we have been waiting for a bold step to reclaim, clean, and reimagine the city’s environmental spine,” she said.
Ms. Njeri noted that the county government had been working closely with the Nairobi Rivers Commission to provide technical guidance, accessible land, and supervision for the various activities being undertaken along the river corridor.
“Our main role has been to facilitate and provide technical support to ensure that work runs smoothly. We are also making land spaces available for the works, and ensuring that waste management, supervision, and enforcement are properly coordinated,” she added.
She said the rehabilitation at Kamukunji was particularly significant, as the area holds historical value as a political and community gathering site dating back to the 1990s Sabasaba rallies.
“The transformation of Kamukunji Park will restore its heritage while providing modern recreational spaces, children’s playgrounds, and sporting grounds for youth engagement. We want this to be a clean, safe, and inclusive public park for all,” Ms. Njeri stated.
She revealed that works on a new trunk sewer line running parallel to the river had already begun and were expected to be completed by 2027, marking the first major upgrade of Nairobi’s sewer infrastructure since the 1970s. The new system, she said, would address years of wastewater leakage into the rivers and support the city’s long-term sanitation goals.
Nairobi Rivers Commission representative, Lieutenant Colonel Kahigu Njoroge, described the regeneration project as a transformative undertaking designed to “turn Nairobi inside out” by making the rivers the new front face of the city.
“This is not just a clean-up exercise it is a comprehensive plan to reclaim the city’s environmental spine. For years, Nairobi’s back has faced the rivers. We are changing that by making the rivers the frontage of the city.” He said.
Njoroge explained that the multi-agency approach involves several government bodies including the Nairobi City County, NEMA, Athi Water Works Development Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, and Kenya Forest Service.
The programme includes flood control, sewer expansion, construction of pedestrian bridges and non-motorised transport lanes, and the establishment of parks and wetlands restoration zones.
“The project employs hundreds of young people from nearby communities in labour-intensive works such as gabion construction. This initiative is giving hope and livelihoods while restoring the city’s ecosystem,” he said.
He added that efforts were underway to address solid waste challenges at the Dandora dumpsite, where parts of the Nairobi River currently flow beneath layers of waste. “We are working to cut away the accumulated waste and remove leachate to restore clean water flow,” he noted.
Mr. Josephat Karomi, Chairperson of Kamukunji Environment Conservation Champions, lauded the partnership for empowering local youth who were previously engaged in crime and drug abuse.
“This project has changed lives. Many young people who were once idle or in crime now have meaningful work cleaning, maintaining, and protecting our environment,” Karomi said.
He further highlighted that the Kamukunji site will host new community facilities including a modern football pitch, toilets, changing rooms, and a multipurpose arena that will benefit local sports teams which has been promoted to Division Two.
“Once the facility is complete, our youth will have a home ground for matches and community events. The park will also feature a Freedom Horn, amphitheatre, and museum to preserve Kamukunji’s democratic legacy,” he said.
The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme is expected to be completed by January 2027, marking a new chapter in the city’s quest to restore its natural environment and reclaim its rivers as clean, public spaces for all residents
