• A section of Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have called out the Nairobi Rivers Commission regarding the condition of the rivers in the county
• In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, the MCAs, led by Chege Waithera, stated that although the commission has been in place for two years, the rivers remain polluted
• They also seek clarification on the county’s specific role in conserving Nairobi’s rivers and the funding associated with these efforts

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

A group of MCAs in the Nairobi County Assembly is questioning the effectiveness of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, which has been operating for two years with minimal progress to show.

The MCAs are also questioning the collaboration between the National Government, through the commission, and the County Government on the restoration of Nairobi’s rivers, raising concerns that more funds may have been misused as the rivers’ condition remains unchanged.

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What answers did Nairobi MCAs demand?

Led by South B MCA Chege Waithera, the MCAs called on the county executive on Tuesday, October 29, to clarify its role in managing Nairobi’s rivers and disclose any financial implications incurred.

The MCAs further demanded that the executive, through the assembly’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee, explain whether there has been any collaboration between the county government and the Rivers Commission

They also wanted them to explain the specific role the county plays in conserving Nairobi’s rivers, and the funding involved.

“The constitution 2010 calls on the county government to implement specific national government policies on natural resources and environmental conservation including, soil and water conservation and forestry,” she said.

This follows complaints from city residents about the poor condition of the Nairobi River, just days after Bishop Margaret Wanjiru was appointed to lead the Nairobi Rivers Commission, which has been considered inactive.

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When was the Nairobi Rivers Commission established?

President William Ruto formed the commission in December 2022 to aid in the restoration of Nairobi’s rivers.

The President also announced that the government will collaborate with the Nairobi City County Government, through the Ministry of Environment, to employ at least 12,000 young people and women for river cleanup and tree planting efforts.

Governor Sakaja later confirmed that the project would replace the Kazi Mtaani program, which President Ruto eliminated in October 2022.

At that time, the governor indicated that Nairobi County needed 4.5 billion shillings in the short term, 6 billion shillings in the medium term, and a total of 19 billion shillings over five years to develop an adequate sewerage system.

Previously in Nairobi, the county government has conducted cleanup exercises along the riverbeds by engaging youth groups and partnering with environmental organizations.

According to Waithera Chege, there is too much duplication of roles and funding towards restoration and management of Nairobi rivers yet no tangible results can be seen.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke