Nairobi, 22nd August 2024
The County Director for Environment Mr. John Paul Malawi has affirmed the County Government’s dedication towards restoration efforts of Nairobi River.
” Nairobi City County has been in the fore front of Nairobi rivers Basin regeneration programme, driven by a vision of a restored river that is clean, vibrant and full of life. Through collaborative efforts with communities, international partners and the private sector we have made significant strides.” Stated Mr. Malawi.
Mr. Malawi made the remarks during an exploratory walk along Nairobi River by the German Ambassador to Kenya H.E Amb. Sebastian Groth and the United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Acting Executive Director UN- Habitat Mr. Michael Mlynar, aiming to provide firsthand experience of the river’s current state of pollution, ongoing efforts and explore further potential collaborations and opportunities.
Highlighting some of the efforts undertaken towards Nairobi rivers restoration, Mr. Malawi said that the county had made significant strides such as tackling the issues of solid waste, implementing community led waste management programs that will substantially reduce pollution levels.
” We are also restoring riparian zones, planting indigenous vegetation that not only protects our river banks but also will revive the biodiversity as well as enforcing pollution control measures, ensuring that the industries lining the river are part of the solution and not the problem. These are just a few of the many efforts we are undertaking but we recognize there is still much work to be done.”Mr. Malawi added.
The German Ambassador. H.E Sebastian commended the work done in restoring Nairobi river and promised for more support.
Mr. Michael Mlynar said he was impressed to realize that 20 years ago the river looked different. He said there is need to design solutions that will work in order to achieve real results, noting the importance of community involvement in the restoration efforts. He promised that UN- Habitat will work towards bringing in more partners to ensure rivers restoration and environmental conservation.
Accompanying Director Malawi were Susan Nyambura (Deputy Director, Parks and Natural Resources), Maureen Bett (Assistant Director, Parks and Natural Resources) and Duncan Miheso (Assistant Director Environment).
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