Gachagua urges Nairobi leadership to prioritize restoring Nairobi’s rivers

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has underscored the imperative of restoring Nairobi’s rivers during a meeting held at his official residence in Karen on Wednesday.

The gathering, attended by a host of elected leaders from Nairobi County and senior government officials, centered on the urgent need to rejuvenate the city’s waterways for the benefit of its residents.

Addressing the leadership, Gachagua emphasized the necessity for elected leaders to set aside political differences and collaborate on initiatives aimed at revitalizing Nairobi’s rivers.

“It is not possible for us to succeed in this program (Nairobi Rivers Regeneration) without the participation and support of the elected leaders in the City. The program is about the people of Nairobi. The City is important to all Kenyans and all of us,” he said.

He urged MPs, MCAs, Senators, and governors to prioritize the restoration efforts, emphasizing that the well-being of Nairobi’s populace hinges on the success of these endeavours.

On their part, the leaders led by Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, MPs Phelix Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Esther Pasaris (Nairobi Woman Representative), Beatrice Elachi (Dagorreti North), Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji), Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North) praised the Deputy President over his leadership and continuous engagement with all elected leaders across political divide.

Meanwhile, the meeting also delved into the specifics of the Nairobi Rivers regeneration program and the rehabilitation of the catchment basin.

Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale and Zachary Njeru, along with the Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Dr Pamela Olet, were among the dignitaries present, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges head-on.

Gachagua stressed the need for collective action, stating, “The ultimate goal of the Commission is to reclaim the rivers of Nairobi into the Blue and Green Socio-Economic Resources for improved quality of life. This requires joint action from everyone.”

Furthermore, he urged leaders to throw their weight behind the restoration program, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding the environment and enhancing the city’s livability.

He emphasized the importance of creating an environmentally friendly atmosphere in Nairobi, which serves as the financial hub of East and Central Africa.

“We have a responsibility to make sure that we clean the Nairobi rivers and create an environmentally friendly atmosphere in the City, which is the financial hub centre of East and Central Africa so that we bring back the green city in the sun. We have to work together.”

In addition to river restoration, Gachagua addressed the issue of illicit brews and drug abuse in the capital city.

He called on leaders to support ongoing crackdowns and collaborate with security agencies to combat these vices effectively, underlining the importance of public safety and well-being.

“We do not want the leaders to participate in the fight, we want them to help us in oversight and sharing of information. Many people in Nairobi have died in illicit brew dens and it is never reported. Security officers condoning the menace will not be transferred to another working station but dismissed from public service,” he stated.

The presence of Principal Secretaries Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Teresiah Mbaika (Devolution), Charles Hinga (Housing and Urban Development), Nixon Korir (Lands), Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation) and Julius Korir (Water) further underscored the government’s holistic approach to addressing environmental and social challenges in Nairobi.