President William Ruto has officially launched the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme, a transformative Ksh50 billion initiative aimed at restoring the river and revitalizing its surrounding areas. This ambitious project seeks to improve urban living conditions, create economic opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability.
Major Job Creation and Infrastructure Development
The project is expected to generate 40,000 jobs, nearly doubling the 22,000 positions currently available under the Climate Works Mtaani Initiative. Additionally, the program will deliver a 60-kilometer sewer line and 50,000 affordable housing units, providing thousands of Nairobi residents with access to clean water, improved sanitation, and quality housing.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission, in collaboration with the Ministries of Housing, Environment, and Defence, will oversee the project’s implementation. The initiative will significantly enhance Nairobi’s infrastructure, tackling long-standing issues of pollution, congestion, and informal settlements.
Government’s Commitment to a Cleaner and Livable Nairobi
Speaking at the launch, President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Nairobi cleaner, safer, and more livable for both residents and visitors. He described the regeneration project as a game-changer, set to improve dignified living, enhance sustainable transport, and boost economic empowerment for thousands of city dwellers.
“I want to assure Kenyans that in the next 24 months, we will see a significant transformation of Nairobi River,” Ruto declared during the groundbreaking ceremony in Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi.
The project integrates multiple urban renewal efforts, including affordable housing, modern markets, and improved infrastructure, ensuring Nairobi evolves into a vibrant, economically viable city.
Expanding Development Beyond Nairobi
The Nairobi River Regeneration Project is not limited to the capital. It extends to Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Murang’a counties, focusing on river rehabilitation, flood control, waste management, and sewer system upgrades. These improvements aim to enhance public health, urban resilience, and sustainable development in Kenya’s rapidly growing metropolitan regions.
Call for National Unity and Development
President Ruto urged Kenyans to support his national unity agenda, emphasizing that collaboration among leaders is key to economic growth and prosperity.
“I resolved to work together with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among other leaders, to foster unity and drive development across the country,” he stated.
During his visit to Kamukunji Constituency, Ruto highlighted the strong partnership between the National Government and the Nairobi County Government, which is driving the success of key development projects. He specifically commended the county’s investment in a modern sports facility at Desert Grounds in California, which he said will promote leisure, nurture talent, and foster social cohesion.
School Feeding and Affordable Housing Initiatives
While visiting Zawadi Comprehensive Primary School, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding school feeding programs, particularly in informal settlements and marginalized areas. He emphasized that these initiatives will increase school enrollment and improve academic performance for children across Kenya.
Later, he inspected the ongoing Shauri Moyo B Affordable Housing Project in Makadara Constituency, where 4,566 housing units are currently under construction.
Highlighting Nairobi’s significance as Kenya’s capital and the only United Nations headquarters in the Global South, President Ruto underscored the importance of modernizing and upgrading the city to match global standards.
“Our Affordable Housing Programme presents a unique opportunity to eliminate informal settlements and provide millions of Kenyans with decent, affordable homes,” he affirmed.
A Bold Step Towards Sustainable Urban Development
With the Nairobi River Regeneration Project, Kenya is taking a significant step toward sustainable urban development. The initiative promises to restore the river, enhance housing, improve infrastructure, and create thousands of jobs, positioning Nairobi as a model city for environmental restoration and economic transformation.
This landmark project is set to redefine urban living in Kenya, ensuring cleaner neighborhoods, better public services, and stronger economic opportunities for all.
