By Opiyo Dancan
The Nairobi River has become heavily contaminated over the years due to various anthropogenic activities such as the discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste, industrial pollution, plastic contamination, and agricultural runoff.
This pollution has profoundly affected not only the ecosystem but also the well-being of the inhabitants residing along the river and the biodiversity that relies on it.
President William Ruto established the Nairobi River Commission in December 2022 to improve the river’s state.
Under President William Ruto’s leadership, the commission is working towards restoring the Nairobi River corridor. Their initiatives include a comprehensive assessment of the river’s current state and pollution sources, identifying priority areas for restoration, and estimating the required resources.
The commission is also promoting environmental education and awareness among the public to foster a sense of responsibility for the river’s health.
The 390-kilometer Nairobi River, which originates from the Ondiri swamp located approximately 13 miles from central Nairobi, is a lifeline for the local community.
It meanders gracefully through the city’s landscape, including the bustling central business district, Mathare, Dandora, and Kibera—Africa’s largest informal settlement.
Key tributaries such as the Ngong, Mathare, and Motoine rivers converge on Nairobi’s eastern outskirts, where they combine to form a large Athi River.
The contamination of the Nairobi River has been ascribed to a deficiency in efficient waste management systems, inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations by the respective agencies, and a lack of substantial public awareness and education regarding the significance of environmental conservation.
Previous efforts to clean the River
In the period spanning from 2006 to 2009, significant advancements were made by the government in enhancing the aesthetics of the riparian zone as part of the Nairobi River Basin Programme (NRBP).
This initiative successfully mitigated soil erosion and prevented the influx of pollutants into the river by reintroducing native trees and flora along the riverbanks. Nonetheless, the local populations residing along the riverside indiscriminately uprooted a substantial number of trees without adequate replacement, thereby jeopardizing the ecological well-being of the river surroundings.
In 2007, the Government and the UN Environment (UNEP) collaborated to eradicate waste and debris from the Nairobi River. This initiative significantly contributed to preserving a flourishing water ecosystem and unimpeded water circulation. Regrettably, the positive outcomes were ephemeral.
Storm runoff facilitated the transportation of refuse and residue from the settlements into the river, accumulating solid waste. This accumulation not only devastates aquatic flora and fauna but also contaminates the water, obstructs the water flow, diminishes the water’s capacity to carry, and elevates the likelihood of inundation. Furthermore, it detracts from the river’s visual appeal.
The County Government of Nairobi and its partners have also played a pivotal role in spearheading the improvement of solid waste management practices within the city.
Furthermore, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kazi Mtaani program have made significant progress in their joint efforts to improve solid waste management practices in Nairobi City.
UNEP, a United Nations agency with a global mandate for environmental protection and its headquarters located in Nairobi, Kenya, should engage in policy advocacy and capacity building to tackle the issue of Nairobi River pollution.
This can be achieved by bolstering the implementation of environmental legislation and regulations and advocating for the rigorous enforcement of municipal and international laws that target pollution, waste management, and industrial discharges, such as the National Environmental Management Act 1999 (as amended).
The organization should also offer more training and technical support to the Kenyan government agencies responsible for environmental management and enforcement.
Additionally, the Kenyan government should facilitate integrated water resource management by conducting a comprehensive River Basin assessment of the Nairobi River Basin to identify pollution sources, evaluate water quality, and formulate a holistic management strategy.
Cultivate alliances
The government should cultivate alliances among corporations and non-governmental organizations to combat pollution and enhance water quality.
In the spirit of public participation, as guaranteed by Article 10(2)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, communities residing and trading along the Nairobi River should be engaged in decision-making and implementation processes to ensure their endorsement and active participation.
Similarly, the Commission should create public awareness of its activities to ensure informed responses from the people, for the public’s right to be informed is constitutionally obligated under Article 31. As it is now, not much has been heard from them since the President’s inauguration almost two years ago.
The Writer is a student of international relations at the Catholic University of East Africa.
