Just 30 years ago, at 42 years of age, he experienced major changes. Numerous children and families across Nairobi saw rapid transformations as the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers struggled under heavy pollution and lack of care.
During rainy seasons, these waterways overflow, destroying homes and creating serious health problems for nearby communities. Currently, these rivers run freely again, bringing relief to residents and children who live around them.
The waters move with fresh vitality thanks to Climate WorX, a government program dedicated to river restoration and climate action. These channels, previously clogged with trash and waste, have changed from areas of decay into examples of renewal.
Nairobi's waterways flow once more with water, possibilities, renewal, and vitality. This restoration effort started last October and consists of trash removal, waterway clearing, sewer repair, drainage system fixes, waste sorting, and ground preparation for new landscaping.
The work extends through riparian areas of the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers, covering 47 kilometers across all 11 Sub-counties of Nairobi City County. Other environmental actions include establishing tree nurseries, planting trees, removing unlawful buildings, and clearing blocked areas.
Teams have collected garbage across 82 kilometers, helping eliminate waste that formerly blocked waterways and contaminated neighborhoods. They have also cleared 84 kilometers of river channels, restoring natural water flow and decreasing flood dangers.
The youthful team has sorted debris across 46 kilometers, ensuring waste materials receive proper handling and disposal through environmentally friendly methods. They have also cleared and connected 45 kilometers of sewer lines, greatly enhancing sanitation.
Workers repaired 155 sewer lines and cleared 66 kilometers of drainage systems, stopping water buildup and flooding. Teams completed bush clearing along rivers at all 36 targeted locations, increasing accessibility and safety for residents.
Removal of concrete slabs and foundations from torn-down buildings covered 20 kilometers, making space for environmental restoration and future growth. Previously stagnant and polluted, these rivers have started regaining natural beauty, turning surrounding areas healthier and more livable.
Beyond environmental benefits, Climate WorX has sparked hope for thousands of jobless youth. The program created employment for approximately 21,493 young people, many previously trapped by crime and drug problems. Through this initiative, they discovered not just jobs but renewed purpose.
For these young workers, the project represents more than cleanup efforts; it offers a second chance. They perform meaningful labor, earn money, help their families, and add positively to society. Many have given up hope but can face each morning with clear goals.
Sammy Kyenzeku works under the Climate WorX project in the Starehe constituency and explains the program has changed many lives, particularly for those formerly involved with criminal activities who have reformed.
Money earned from Climate WorX helps workers pay bills and support families. Kyenzeku feels grateful for this life-changing program and points out positive shifts happening throughout the community. Local people have welcomed the project and paid more attention to keeping their environment clean.
The entire neighborhood enjoys benefits from cleaner, greener surroundings. Kyenzeku states that Climate WorX has greatly decreased pollution in rivers and nearby areas. Community members help the workers maintain cleanliness.
Waste disposal caused major problems before, as people carelessly threw garbage into rivers, resulting in blocked waterways and regular flooding. Through community education and participation in cleanup activities, residents have learned responsible waste management.
The changes have proven incredible. Previously, these waterways contained plastic waste, rotting materials, and sewage. Today, water runs clearer, air smells fresher, and surrounding areas appear much more livable. Clean environments truly lift entire communities.
Kyenzeku believes continued work could fully restore Nairobi's rivers, creating healthier ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife. Climate WorX's effects extend far beyond riverbanks. Formerly polluted areas have become community gathering spots with cleaner air, greener spaces, and safer conditions.
Wildlife has begun returning, and surrounding landscapes look greener and more habitable. People living near rivers feel tremendous relief. With cleared riparian land, children from Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Starehe, Korogocho CombGreen, and Mathare North areas finally have safe places to play.
Before, floods washed away homes, belongings, and occasionally lives. Through improved drainage and cleared waterways, disaster risks have significantly dropped. Families sleep peacefully, knowing their homes face reduced flood threats. As work continues steadily, Nairobi's rivers progress toward complete recovery.
Climate WorX shows that environmental conservation and youth employment can succeed together, creating cleaner, healthier, and more hopeful futures for everyone. Irene Kerubo, another youth from Dagoretti, expresses thanks for the improvements the initiative has created.
She mentions that before the project began, many young people could barely afford necessities. Situations have greatly improved during the past six months since starting. Previously idle and uncertain about tomorrow, Kerubo earns income and helps with environmental conservation.
Kerubo asks the government to supply additional equipment and tools, as current resources cannot adequately serve all participating youth. Better supplies would enhance project effectiveness, allowing workers to function efficiently and clean larger areas.
Meaningful youth engagement increases innovation and reduces crime rates, especially in heavily populated regions. Kevin Kipkurui, a National Youth Service Officer supervising Climate WorX at Dagoretti, highlights how the program benefits local youth who previously lacked options.
Since launching six months ago, crime rates have fallen as numerous young people earn livelihoods. The project provides employment and instills responsibility and purpose. These young adults start each morning with clear objectives—improving the environment and securing better futures.
Nyumba Kumi elder Bibie Wangeci Ramadan encourages the government to maintain the project permanently. Youth appreciate how the project assists them and request Climate WorX continue without time limitations.
Wangeci emphasizes continuing this initiative for environmental improvements, reduced crime, and economic strength. Young citizens have reasons to avoid criminal activities and drugs because they participate in meaningful work benefiting themselves and their neighbors.
Paul Mulinge, Hazina location chief in the South B division of Starehe constituency, reports significant crime reduction since the project started last year. Most local youth work with Climate WorX, creating substantial positive community impact.
He adds that many Climate WorX participants have empowered themselves through government payments by launching small businesses like fruit and vegetable stands. This project advances the presidential goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, with youth helping combat climate change effects.
During rainy seasons, these waterways overflow, destroying homes and creating serious health problems for nearby communities. Currently, these rivers run freely again, bringing relief to residents and children who live around them.
The waters move with fresh vitality thanks to Climate WorX, a government program dedicated to river restoration and climate action. These channels, previously clogged with trash and waste, have changed from areas of decay into examples of renewal.
Nairobi's waterways flow once more with water, possibilities, renewal, and vitality. This restoration effort started last October and consists of trash removal, waterway clearing, sewer repair, drainage system fixes, waste sorting, and ground preparation for new landscaping.
The work extends through riparian areas of the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers, covering 47 kilometers across all 11 Sub-counties of Nairobi City County. Other environmental actions include establishing tree nurseries, planting trees, removing unlawful buildings, and clearing blocked areas.
Teams have collected garbage across 82 kilometers, helping eliminate waste that formerly blocked waterways and contaminated neighborhoods. They have also cleared 84 kilometers of river channels, restoring natural water flow and decreasing flood dangers.
The youthful team has sorted debris across 46 kilometers, ensuring waste materials receive proper handling and disposal through environmentally friendly methods. They have also cleared and connected 45 kilometers of sewer lines, greatly enhancing sanitation.
Workers repaired 155 sewer lines and cleared 66 kilometers of drainage systems, stopping water buildup and flooding. Teams completed bush clearing along rivers at all 36 targeted locations, increasing accessibility and safety for residents.
Removal of concrete slabs and foundations from torn-down buildings covered 20 kilometers, making space for environmental restoration and future growth. Previously stagnant and polluted, these rivers have started regaining natural beauty, turning surrounding areas healthier and more livable.
Beyond environmental benefits, Climate WorX has sparked hope for thousands of jobless youth. The program created employment for approximately 21,493 young people, many previously trapped by crime and drug problems. Through this initiative, they discovered not just jobs but renewed purpose.
For these young workers, the project represents more than cleanup efforts; it offers a second chance. They perform meaningful labor, earn money, help their families, and add positively to society. Many have given up hope but can face each morning with clear goals.
Sammy Kyenzeku works under the Climate WorX project in the Starehe constituency and explains the program has changed many lives, particularly for those formerly involved with criminal activities who have reformed.
Money earned from Climate WorX helps workers pay bills and support families. Kyenzeku feels grateful for this life-changing program and points out positive shifts happening throughout the community. Local people have welcomed the project and paid more attention to keeping their environment clean.
The entire neighborhood enjoys benefits from cleaner, greener surroundings. Kyenzeku states that Climate WorX has greatly decreased pollution in rivers and nearby areas. Community members help the workers maintain cleanliness.
Waste disposal caused major problems before, as people carelessly threw garbage into rivers, resulting in blocked waterways and regular flooding. Through community education and participation in cleanup activities, residents have learned responsible waste management.
The changes have proven incredible. Previously, these waterways contained plastic waste, rotting materials, and sewage. Today, water runs clearer, air smells fresher, and surrounding areas appear much more livable. Clean environments truly lift entire communities.
Kyenzeku believes continued work could fully restore Nairobi's rivers, creating healthier ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife. Climate WorX's effects extend far beyond riverbanks. Formerly polluted areas have become community gathering spots with cleaner air, greener spaces, and safer conditions.
Wildlife has begun returning, and surrounding landscapes look greener and more habitable. People living near rivers feel tremendous relief. With cleared riparian land, children from Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Starehe, Korogocho CombGreen, and Mathare North areas finally have safe places to play.
Before, floods washed away homes, belongings, and occasionally lives. Through improved drainage and cleared waterways, disaster risks have significantly dropped. Families sleep peacefully, knowing their homes face reduced flood threats. As work continues steadily, Nairobi's rivers progress toward complete recovery.
Climate WorX shows that environmental conservation and youth employment can succeed together, creating cleaner, healthier, and more hopeful futures for everyone. Irene Kerubo, another youth from Dagoretti, expresses thanks for the improvements the initiative has created.
She mentions that before the project began, many young people could barely afford necessities. Situations have greatly improved during the past six months since starting. Previously idle and uncertain about tomorrow, Kerubo earns income and helps with environmental conservation.
Kerubo asks the government to supply additional equipment and tools, as current resources cannot adequately serve all participating youth. Better supplies would enhance project effectiveness, allowing workers to function efficiently and clean larger areas.
Meaningful youth engagement increases innovation and reduces crime rates, especially in heavily populated regions. Kevin Kipkurui, a National Youth Service Officer supervising Climate WorX at Dagoretti, highlights how the program benefits local youth who previously lacked options.
Since launching six months ago, crime rates have fallen as numerous young people earn livelihoods. The project provides employment and instills responsibility and purpose. These young adults start each morning with clear objectives—improving the environment and securing better futures.
Nyumba Kumi elder Bibie Wangeci Ramadan encourages the government to maintain the project permanently. Youth appreciate how the project assists them and request Climate WorX continue without time limitations.
Wangeci emphasizes continuing this initiative for environmental improvements, reduced crime, and economic strength. Young citizens have reasons to avoid criminal activities and drugs because they participate in meaningful work benefiting themselves and their neighbors.
Paul Mulinge, Hazina location chief in the South B division of Starehe constituency, reports significant crime reduction since the project started last year. Most local youth work with Climate WorX, creating substantial positive community impact.
He adds that many Climate WorX participants have empowered themselves through government payments by launching small businesses like fruit and vegetable stands. This project advances the presidential goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, with youth helping combat climate change effects.
