By N, KNA
The Nairobi Rivers Commission has intensified collaboration with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to streamline implementation of the ongoing Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, with the first phase expected to be completed by January 2027.
Speaking during a media brief in Nairobi, the Commission Chief Executive Officer Brigadier (Rtd) Joseph Muracia, stated that the engagement was aimed at harmonising operations following recent administrative changes within the Ministry of Interior to ensure smooth delivery of the presidential directive on river restoration.
“Today we are here with NGAO to align and harmonize on how we are going to carry on with the ongoing river regeneration project,” Muracia asserted.
He noted that the Commission’s mandate is to coordinate ministries, departments and agencies involved in the multi-sectoral initiative, adding that NGAO plays a critical role in mobilizing communities and supporting implementation at the grassroots level.
Further, Muracia pointed out the project had reached a critical stage, particularly in community sensitisation and public engagement and expressed satisfaction with the support received from residents living along affected river corridors.
“We are now dealing with communities, sensitizing them on what we are doing and the importance of what we are doing. I am happy to report that the communities have been very supportive and have accepted to work with the government,” he expressed.
Muracia assured that implementation would be undertaken with minimal disruption to livelihoods and businesses, urging Kenyans to cooperate to ensure timely completion of the works.
The first phase of the project, which entails construction of trunk sewer lines along key river corridors to separate sewage and storm water, is scheduled for completion by January 2027.
Concurrently, Nairobi North Sub-Region County Commissioner Simon Osumba affirmed that NGAO would work closely with the Commission to ensure programmes are implemented smoothly and challenges addressed through a whole-of-government approach.
“We are here to make sure that the programmes which are already ongoing are implemented smoothly without any challenges,” Osumba reassured.
He noted that issues raised during a recent presidential tour of project areas had underscored the need for enhanced coordination among agencies.
“We know if the rivers are recovered well, the rivers will be clean and the community will appreciate it,” he added.
On the other hand, Musuva observed that recovery of riparian land is central to the regeneration initiative, citing the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Water Act and Water Resources Regulations as the legal framework guiding the exercise.
“Critical to the river regeneration and sewer construction is the recovery of riparian land,” Musuva emphasised.
He explained that the ongoing works include reclaiming riparian reserves to pave way for trunk sewer lines being constructed on both sides of the rivers to address pollution largely caused by untreated sewage and storm water discharge.
Equally, Musuva disclosed that reclaimed corridors would be redeveloped into community spaces, including non-motorised transport paths, walking trails and other public amenities to improve the urban environment.
He noted that pollution of Nairobi rivers has far-reaching consequences beyond the capital, as the waters flow downstream through Machakos and Makueni counties to the Coast, affecting millions of Kenyans.
On concerns about possible demolitions, Musuva maintained that the process is guided by court rulings and a Gazette Notice issued by the Ministry of Lands establishing a multi-agency taskforce on riparian recovery.
In addition, the Commissioner insisted that public participation remains central to the exercise, with NGAO convening meetings to educate residents before demarcation of riparian reserves by relevant technical agencies.
He charged that property owners found to have developments within riparian zones are issued notices and granted between 14 and 21 days to present documentation, including title deeds and environmental approvals.
“Once engagement has been done with the affected parties, the law gives owners time to remove whatever should not be there. If there is no compliance, then the law must take its place,” Musuva stressed.
However, he observed that in several areas residents have voluntarily removed structures erected within riparian reserves after understanding the long-term environmental and social benefits of the project.
Similarly, Musuva cautioned against misinformation, emphasising that while the Constitution protects property rights, it also guarantees every Kenyan the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Meanwhile, the Commission expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between NGAO, government agencies and communities will ensure successful restoration of Nairobi’s rivers and improvement of the city’s environmental health for present and future generations.
