Government to revive community-led efforts in restoration of Nairobi rivers

Nairobi,

Thursday, October 26, 2023

KNA by Nkooma Samson/Carol Mawia

The Kenya Alliance of Residents Associations (KARA) in partnership with Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) have held a Bi-monthly series forum amid efforts to educate the public on the Role of Communities and Community Organizations towards the protection and restoration of Nairobi Rivers.

The discussions held within the forum promised to uncover grassroots initiatives that aim to transform the fate of Nairobi’s waterways in efforts to improve the city’s environment.

Speaking during the event, Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) Chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet lauded President Ruto for establishing The Nairobi Rivers Commission to oversee and supervise the city’s blue and green infrastructure for a better urban environment and quality of life.

“This is so important because we have been in this river before, many years, so much money, so much energy has gone into the river in terms of restoration initiatives, but why is the river in the state which it is now?” Questioned Dr. Pamela.

The Chairperson acknowledged that there is something wrong with the approach they have been using to re-generate the impact required to manage the rivers.

She added that they will be engaged in a discussion with all relevant stakeholders to lead a successful pathway in developing relevant solutions.

On the other hand, Dr. Pamela revealed that the Commission is domiciled in the Office of the Deputy President which according to, her was a very significant decision to ensuring re-generation of the river basins.

Dr. Pamela disclosed that the Commission is guided by a structure called Advisory Group which comprises of the commissioners, representatives from the United Nations HABITAT systems, World Resources Institute, private sector, civil society and Counties.

Moreover, she noted that the Commission is still a young agency and therefore called on all the stakeholders to foster coordination and strengthen their role citing that this was what was needed to fulfil restoration and protection of rivers.

The Chairperson further explained that the Nairobi Rivers Commission is not only limited to Nairobi area as she highlighted 5 Counties that are within their circle including Kajiado, Nairobi, Makueni and Machakos.

Most importantly, Dr. Pamela urged the community organizations to pay key attention to the river basins to ensure cleanness as well as identifying investment opportunities that can be brought by rivers.

Courtesy; KNA