The government will ensure that the restoration and regeneration of Nairobi Rivers succeeds to restore the glory of the City and dignity of the residents particularly those living along the rivers, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
Calling for concerted efforts among all stakeholders, the Deputy President also assured communities that will be affected by the clean-up program of humane and compassionate treatment during the exercise.
He said that though the program must succeed, the State agencies implementing the program must involve the persons and communities that may be affected by the project. He added that the agencies must work with the City County elected leaders.
“Whatever decision you make, put people first. You must empathize with them and always put yourself in their shoes as you make decisions. Though we want the rivers cleaned and restored, people must be involved and be granted opportunity to participate and raise queries.” Gachagua told the agencies.
He was addressing members of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Nairobi county elected leaders and senior government officials during a meeting he hosted at his official residence in Karen.
The Deputy President further called on the elected leaders to support the project, dubbed “Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Program”.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to safeguard lives and properties of citizens, the Deputy President also told the Commission, which is chaired by Dr Pamela Olet, to involve the elected leaders in the program.
“In every stage of implementation let us carry along the elected leaders. They are very important because they are the representatives of the people. We must continue engaging the leaders and take part in the program. Along the way there will be employment opportunities in the program,” he told the Commissioners.
The commission was formed in December 2023 by President William Ruto to to coordinate the restoration of the Nairobi Rivers basin to its former glory.
Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza administration will work and engage with all elected leaders irrespective of their political party affiliation.
“The elections are over and what we have now are elected leaders irrespective of which part of political formation they come from. Do not allow myopic politics to come your way. Serve the people without checking political formation. Elections are over, we don’t have this side or that side. We are supposed to serve the people.” He said.
Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri and MPs Phelix Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Esther Pasaris (Nairobi Woman Representative), Beatrice Elachi (Dagorreti North), Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji), Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North), MCAs, among other leaders were present at the meeting.
The leaders praised the Deputy President for convening the forum, his push for their involvement and constant engagement with all elected leaders across political divide.
In his remarks, the Deputy President stated that the ‘modus operandi’ of the President William Ruto’s administration is ‘continuous engagement with the people of Kenya and moreso the elected leaders’.
“Our administration has tremendous respect for leaders, who have been elected to serve the people because they represent the wishes and aspirations of the people who elected them.” Gachagua said.
Cabinet secretaries Aden Duale (Defence) and Zachary Njeru (Water) and the Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission Dr Pamela Olet were also present.
The meeting happened at a time most parts of the country are receiving enhanced rains.
“The ultimate goal of the Commission is to reclaim the rivers of Nairobi into the Blue and Green Socio-Economic Resources for improved quality of life. This requires joint action from everyone,” said the Deputy President.
Gachagua asked the leaders to support the rivers’ regeneration program since ‘it is about the people, their future and greening of the city’.
“It is not possible for us to succeed in this program (Nairobi Rivers Regeneration) without the participation and support of the elected leaders in the City. The program is about the people of Nairobi. The City is important to all Kenyans and all of us,” he said.
“We have a responsibility to make sure that we clean the Nairobi rivers and create an environmental friendly atmosphere in the City, which is the financial hub centre of East and Central Africa so that we bring back the green city in the sun. We have to work together.” Gachagua noted.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President called on the leaders to support eradication of illicit brews and drug abuse in the capital city.
The Deputy President was responding to Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan request for enhancement of the ongoing crackdown on illicit brews and drug abuse.
He appealed to the leaders to support the ongoing crackdown and share information with the security agencies.
“We do not want the leaders to participate in the fight, we want them to help us in oversight and sharing of information. Many people in Nairobi have died in illicit brew dens and it is never reported. Security officers condoning the menace will not be transferred to another working station but dismissed from public service.” He stated.
Principal Secretaries Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Teresiah Mbaika (Devolution), Charles Hinga (Housing and Urban Development), Nixon Korir (Lands), Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation) and Julius Korir (Water) were also present at the meeting.
