President William Ruto on today inspected ongoing works under the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Programme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring the capital’s most polluted waterway and transforming the city into a clean, livable and globally competitive metropolis.
The President was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and other national and county leaders during the inspection tour, which forms part of a broader push to rehabilitate the river basin and upgrade critical sanitation infrastructure.
‘Reshaping the city’s future’
Speaking during the tour, President Ruto said the regeneration programme is central to the government’s vision of building a modern capital city that serves its residents efficiently.
“In partnership with the County Government of Nairobi, we are building a modern, functional city; one that is livable, secure, orderly, and environmentally responsible,” President Ruto said.
He noted that decades of pollution, unplanned settlements and poor waste management had degraded the river, making urgent intervention necessary.
“Through the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme, we are reshaping the city’s future; strengthening its resilience, enhancing its competitiveness, and positioning Nairobi as a capital of true global stature,” he added.
The multi-agency initiative includes river dredging, solid waste removal, sewer line expansion, drainage improvements and the rehabilitation of riparian zones to prevent further encroachment.
Sanitation and infrastructure upgrade
As part of the inspection, the President toured completed and ongoing sewer infrastructure projects linked to the regeneration works, emphasizing the role of sanitation in restoring dignity and improving public health.
“Toured the completed trunk sewer line project in Lucky Summer, Ruaraka, Nairobi County, an important milestone in restoring dignity, improving sanitation, and delivering essential infrastructure to our communities,” he said.
The expanded sewer network is expected to reduce the discharge of raw waste into the river, curb waterborne diseases and improve environmental conditions for thousands of households living along the river basin.
Governor Sakaja welcomed the collaboration between the national and county governments, saying the partnership is accelerating the clean-up of illegal dumpsites and the relocation of activities that have long polluted the waterway.
A cleaner, competitive capital
Officials say the regeneration project is not only an environmental intervention but also an economic strategy aimed at unlocking investment, tourism and urban renewal opportunities.
The rehabilitation of the river corridor is expected to create green public spaces, reduce flooding risks and support sustainable urban planning.
President Ruto reiterated that Nairobi must reflect the standards of a forward-looking nation.
“Our shared vision is one of a capital that works for its people and reflects the standards of a forward-looking nation,” he said.
With intensified clean-up operations and infrastructure upgrades underway, the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme marks one of the most ambitious urban renewal efforts in the city’s history, signaling a renewed drive to reclaim the river and restore Nairobi’s environmental integrity.
