Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies to accelerate the restoration of Nairobi’s rivers as Kenya prepares for the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon.
Mudavadi made the appeal after meeting the Nairobi Rivers Commission, led by Chairperson Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, to assess the progress of the ongoing rehabilitation programme and discuss measures to strengthen environmental restoration efforts.
He said restoring the city’s rivers requires close coordination among government institutions, particularly as forecasts point to increased risks associated with the expected El Niño season.
“The restoration of Nairobi’s rivers requires coordinated action across government institutions, especially as we prepare for the expected El Niño phase,” Mudavadi said.
Focus on environmental restoration
According to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the rehabilitation programme is intended to improve water quality, promote public health, strengthen climate resilience and create a cleaner urban environment.
He said the government remains committed to supporting partnerships that will restore the city’s waterways while protecting them for future generations.
Mudavadi added that successful restoration would not only improve environmental conditions but also contribute to sustainable urban development.
Flooding concerns heighten urgency
The renewed push comes as Nairobi continues to face recurring flooding caused by blocked drainage systems, encroachment on riparian land and the degradation of wetlands.
Rapid urban development has increased pressure on the city’s drainage infrastructure, leaving many areas vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall.
Earlier this year, widespread flooding caused significant destruction across the country, with Nairobi among the counties most affected after intense rains in March.
Weather forecasts have also heightened concern, with climate experts warning that the developing El Niño could bring periods of heavy rainfall and increase the risk of flooding in some parts of the country later this year.
Landowners seek consultation
The river restoration programme has also generated concerns among property owners living along sections of the Nairobi River basin.
Representatives of landowners from Kangemi and Dagoretti recently appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining to seek clarification on the planned rehabilitation exercise.
The group argued that they have occupied the affected land for decades and requested Parliament’s intervention to ensure their concerns are addressed before any further action is taken.
They maintained that they possess ownership documents dating back to 1959 and called for consultations before implementation of the project proceeds.
Parliament to engage stakeholders
The parliamentary committee said it will consult the National Land Commission, the Water Resources Authority, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, surveyors and local administrators before conducting site visits to the affected areas.
The discussions come as Nairobi County continues efforts to reclaim riparian land and remove structures built along river corridors as part of broader plans to reduce flooding and restore the city’s waterways.
