President William Ruto has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Nairobi River clean-up, describing the multi-billion-shilling regeneration programme as a transformative intervention that will restore dignity to residents and reposition the capital as a modern metropolis.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the construction of two 27-kilometre sewer lines on both sides of the river, the President said the project would deliver a long-overdue facelift for the city while significantly improving public health and environmental standards.
“It is not right for millions of people in this city to continue living in squalor. That is why we have dedicated enough resources to rehabilitate this river,” he said.
He announced that construction of 44 bridges across the 27km stretch would commence soon, marking what he termed as another milestone in the broader Nairobi Rivers Basin regeneration.
The Head of State began his tour at Lucky Summer in Ruaraka Constituency before proceeding along the river corridor.
Present during the tour were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, and several Members of Parliament and Senators.
President Ruto noted that 45,000 young people are currently engaged in the clean-up under the ClimateWorx Mtaani initiative, saying the programme had created tens of thousands of jobs while accelerating environmental restoration.
At Ngomongo Quarry dumpsite in Ruaraka Constituency, the President assessed ongoing rehabilitation works and assured youth who depend on the site for income that their livelihoods would be safeguarded.
“I want to assure all of you who earn a living from this dumpsite that you will not lose your source of livelihood. If anything, we will enhance it,” he said.
The President further highlighted the National Government’s affordable housing programme, revealing that 110,000 units are under construction in Nairobi, providing both decent housing and employment opportunities.
He also referenced the Sh80 billion cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday between the National Government and Nairobi City County, saying it would hasten service delivery.
“I already have enough work running the National Government. My interest is to ensure that we deliver to the people of this city as expected of us,” he said, dismissing claims that county functions had been transferred.
Governor Sakaja welcomed the agreement, saying it would unlock additional resources for the city.
“You elected me as your governor, and I must do everything possible to raise standards. I had an annual budget of Sh40 billion now it will more than double,” he said.
Addressing residents at Dandora Bridge, President Ruto assured that no one would be forcefully evicted from the river corridor without alternative settlement.
He said the government would also invest in schools, social halls, playgrounds and libraries, alongside Sh1.5 billion for electricity connections and Sh13 billion to expand the road network, including 200 kilometres of roads across city wards.
He added that 16 modern markets are under construction in Nairobi, with a Sh5 billion Gikomba market set to break ground soon, as part of efforts to stimulate economic activity and improve urban infrastructure.
