Nairobi River Restoration Gains Momentum Under Climate WorX Initiative

The Nairobi River Restoration Programme is making significant progress, with almost half of the targeted 47km stretch cleaned, according to government officials. The cleanup is spearheaded by Climate WorX, an initiative launched in September 2024 by President William Ruto to restore urban river corridors while providing employment for Kenyan youth.

The Climate WorX Initiative

Under this flagship environmental and employment programme, 20,000 youth have been recruited to clean and rehabilitate the river, which runs through densely populated areas such as Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Mathare, Kibra, and Dandora. The initiative was developed in response to severe flooding in riparian settlements, which led to widespread displacement.

Climate WorX is a multi-agency effort, bringing together:

• State Department for Housing and Urban Development

• National Government Administration Officers (NGAO)

• National Youth Service (NYS)

• Local communities

Progress and Expansion Plans

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo recently toured the project in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, noting steady progress just 75 days after its launch.

Key updates:

• 30,000 displaced residents have been registered for social housing and will receive priority in upcoming allocations.

• Plans are underway to expand Climate WorX to all 46 counties and increase youth employment under the programme to 50,000.

• Security in Mukuru Kwa Reuben has significantly improved due to increased job opportunities.

PS Omollo emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging local leaders to keep residents informed about upcoming government initiatives to ensure equitable access to benefits.

Administrative Changes for Better Service Delivery

To enhance fair distribution of opportunities, the government is set to increase Nairobi’s subcounties from 11 to 17, aligning them with the number of constituencies. According to CS Murkomen, this change will:

• Improve access to government services at the local level.

• Ensure fairer recruitment in sectors like the police and army, giving youth equal chances during enlistment.

Looking Ahead

The government remains committed to restoring Nairobi River, expanding Climate WorX, and creating sustainable employment opportunities. With continued progress, Nairobi’s waterways could soon become cleaner, safer, and more vibrant for local communities.