For years, Nairobi River – once a vital artery of the city – has been reduced to a polluted, clogged waterway, barely recognizable as the lifeline it once was.
But, a transformative initiative is underway.
The Nairobi River Regeneration Project is setting the stage for one of the most ambitious environmental and urban renewal efforts in Kenya’s history.
President Ruto inspects progress on the Nairobi River reclamation near Dandora dumpsite. (Image: Facebook)
This is more than just a cleanup – it’s a complete re-engineering of the river’s role in Nairobi’s urban ecosystem.
At the core of the project is the construction of a 54-kilometer trunk sewer line, designed to prevent raw sewage from contaminating the water.
This will be complemented by comprehensive waste removal, unclogging efforts, and river widening to mitigate flooding.
But the vision goes far beyond environmental restoration. Along the river’s banks, a new urban landscape will emerge.
The plan includes over 50,000 social housing units, alongside community parks, public halls, and modern markets to serve Nairobi’s growing population.
Walkways and cycle lanes, complete with electrification for security, will redefine accessibility and public spaces along the riverfront.
President Ruto pictured alongside Nairobi politician, Bishop Wanjiru and other dignitaries in the Langata leg of the Presidential Tour. (Image: Facebook)
The infrastructure overhaul is equally ambitious, with 44 new vehicular and pedestrian bridges set to improve connectivity across the city.
Meanwhile, constructed wetlands will naturally purify the river, and an expanded Kariobangi wastewater treatment plant will enhance Nairobi’s capacity to manage sewage efficiently.
One of the most significant interventions is the rehabilitation of the Dandora dumpsite, a notorious environmental hazard.
Alongside this, a massive tree-planting initiative will stabilize riverbanks, combat soil erosion, and revive Nairobi River’s lost biodiversity.
Phase one of the project covers 27.2 kilometers, from Naivasha Road to Dandora Falls – with future phases set to extend restoration efforts further along the river’s course.
This initiative is a turning point for Nairobi.
If executed and sustained, it will not only restore Nairobi River to its former glory but also redefine urban life in the capital.
The challenge now is ensuring long-term commitment – from the government, private sector, and the citizens who call Nairobi home. The transformation has begun.
In a city where rivers once teemed with life and green spaces thrived, Nairobi’s rapid urbanization has left behind a trail of pollution, clogged waterways, and deforested landscapes.
But, a new wave of environmental restoration is sweeping across the city.
Climate WorX Mtaani, an ambitious government-backed initiative, is not just cleaning up Nairobi but also providing green jobs to thousands of youth and women.
The youth in Nairobi participate in the Climate Worx initiative along Nairobi River. (Image: Files)
A Bold Initiative for Climate Resilience
Launched as part of a broader climate action agenda, Climate WorX Mtaani is a labor-intensive employment program targeting 200,000 Kenyan youth across all 47 counties.
At its core, the initiative merges economic recovery with climate resilience, tackling environmental degradation while creating sustainable livelihoods.
By engaging over 21,000 youths in Nairobi alone, the program is transforming riparian zones, rehabilitating rivers, and reintroducing green spaces to urban centres.
Under the supervision of the National Youth Service (NYS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), these young environmentalists are on a mission to reclaim their city from years of neglect.
Cleaning Up Nairobi’s Rivers and Streets
The state of Nairobi’s rivers – Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi – has long been a cause for concern.
Years of industrial waste dumping, encroachments, and poor waste management have turned these lifelines into toxic wastelands.
Climate WorX Mtaani is reversing this damage through:
Garbage collection (82 km covered so far)
Unclogging river channels (84 km restored)
Sorting and removing debris (46 km completed)
Bush clearing and leveling for landscaping (45 km done)
Unblocking sewer lines and drainage systems (66 km improved)
By addressing the root causes of pollution, the initiative is not only cleaning up the city but also preventing future contamination.
Tree Planting and Urban Greening
Beyond clean-ups, Climate WorX Mtaani is leading Nairobi’s reforestation efforts.
With over 538 tree nurseries established and nearly 500,000 seedlings potted, the program is reshaping Nairobi’s green landscape.
Communities around Ngong Forest and Mathare are now engaged in agroforestry, turning once-barren riparian lands into thriving ecological zones.
The initiative isn’t just about planting trees – it’s about stewardship.
Youth groups are being trained to nurture trees and integrate them into urban planning, ensuring that green spaces remain a permanent fixture in the city.
Beyond the Environment: A Lifeline for Youth and Women
At the heart of Climate WorX Mtaani is a powerful social impact: job creation.
In an economy where unemployment remains a pressing issue, especially among young people, the program offers:
Direct employment at Ksh500 per day for workers and Ksh550 for supervisors
Entrepreneurial pathways in green businesses, such as waste recycling and tree nursery management
Leadership development by empowering youth to spearhead community-led environmental projects
For many, this is more than a pay check – it’s a chance to reclaim dignity, contribute to society, and be part of a transformative movement.
Challenges: The Fight Against Re-Dumping and Pollution
Despite its successes, Climate WorX Mtaani faces major hurdles.
Persistent waste dumping in previously cleared areas, especially during the festive season, threatens to undo progress.
Additionally, uncontrolled sewage discharge, industrial encroachments along riparian zones, and inadequate waste disposal systems continue to strain efforts.
Heavy rains also exacerbate the problem, washing pollutants downstream and undoing months of clean up work.
Without stricter enforcement and community buy-in, maintaining the progress made so far remains a challenge.
The Way Forward: Sustaining the Green Revolution
To ensure the long-term success of Climate WorX Mtaani, several strategies are being prioritized:
Increased resources for sewer maintenance and waste collection.
Stronger community engagement in tree planting and conservation efforts.
Policy enforcement to prevent further encroachments along riparian areas.
Promotion of renewable energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The youths cleaning and unblocking drainages in the Nairobi Climate Worx initiative (Image: Files)
A Model for Green Jobs and Climate Action
The Climate WorX Mtaani initiative is not just about cleaning Nairobi – it’s a blueprint for sustainable urban development.
By aligning with global green job trends, the program is equipping youth with skills in environmental restoration, waste management, and climate resilience.
As it expands, Climate WorX Mtaani holds the promise of transforming Nairobi into a cleaner, greener, and more livable city.
With continued commitment from government agencies, community stakeholders, and the youth on the frontlines, this initiative could set the stage for a new era of climate-conscious urban development.
Nairobi is rising again – one tree, one clean river, and one empowered youth at a time.
