Nairobi River Cleanup Gears Up for Expansion

The Kenyan government plans to expand its river rehabilitation workforce from 20,000 to 50,000 workers next month. The expansion will target the restoration of Nairobi's waterways, waste management, and tree-planting initiatives.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that wage increases would follow after reaching the expanded workforce target. The National Climate Resilience Programme, known as Climate WorX, connects young people with climate-focused projects and creates job opportunities for vulnerable youth.

"Nearly half of the Nairobi River stretch stands fully restored. We shall increase the number of people working on all our Nairobi rivers to 50,000," Murkomen said. The program has improved security across informal settlements, including Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, and Mukuru Viwandani.

The initiative promises housing priority to 30,000 residents who voluntarily relocated from riparian areas. Launched September 12, 2024, Climate WorX replaced the Kazi Mtaani Initiative, bringing together the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, local administration, National Youth Service, and community groups.

During an inspection at Mukuru Kwa Reuben with Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, Murkomen cited widespread community requests for the program's expansion. The Ngong River section through Mukuru Kwa Reuben demonstrates the initiative's success, transforming from a polluted waterway into a clean stream.

The program aims to restore urban river corridors and improve living conditions in informal settlements. Omollo confirmed plans to extend the successful Climate WorX model to other major towns and counties, creating employment opportunities for youth and women.

These efforts target illegal waste dumping and effluent discharge in urban areas, strengthening climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. The initiative emphasizes youth empowerment through infrastructure development, including social housing, footbridge construction, and essential amenities.

Youth from Viwandani Climate WorX began cleaning the Ngong River on December 24, 2024. The program focuses on three main areas: road and infrastructure, environment and housing, and urban development. Officials plan to maintain enhanced security through partnerships with communities, elected officials, and religious leaders.
 

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