Nairobi, 17th October 2023
Nairobi City County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi Mr. Ibrahim Auma today officiated the launch of a pilot project at Waruku on the sustainable model for cleaning of the environment and Nairobi River flowing through Waruku, Kileleshwa Ward.
The Green Nairobi Executive who represented Nairobi Governor H.E Sakaja Johnson at the event, also launched Waruku Kikao Community Based Organization Committee, that will oversee the CBO’s clean up exercises.
Mr. Auma applauded the Nairobi Rotary club Gigiri and Kileleshwa Ward Neighboring Association (KIWANA) for championing such an initiative for the betterment of the city.
“This aligns seamlessly with the Nairobi City County Climate Action Plan 2020-2050, a commitment we hold in high regard and are resolute in implementing. The County lends its full support to this endeavor, propelled by our overarching mission to ensure that every resident of Nairobi City County resides in an environment devoid of pollution. Noted Mr. Auma.
He acknowledged that over the years, Nairobi River has grappled with significant pollution challenges stemming from diverse human activities, including the unregulated discharge of untreated sewage and human waste, industrial emissions, plastic contamination, and agricultural runoff.
“These pollutants have not only eroded the quality of life for our residents but have also contributed to the wider issue of climate change.” Said Mr. Auma.
The County Executive however highlighted several strides undertaken by the Nairobi Governor H.E Sakaja’s government in its fight against pollution, a menace that has plagued Nairobi’s waterways and the broader environment.
“These endeavors encompass a concerted drive to raise public consciousness and investments in critical resources, including a fleet of twenty-seven specialized trucks for solid waste collection within the city. Additionally, we have recently bolstered our enforcement apparatus with the recruitment of new officers, dedicated to ensuring regulatory compliance. The officers are responsible for monitoring and enforcing environmental regulations, such as waste disposal guidelines, emissions standards, and pollution control measures. We have also enlisted a support staff of 2,500 individuals ‘The Green Army’ to fortify our urban cleaning initiatives.” Added the Green Nairobi CEC.
Mr. Auma assured that with the current expansion of workforce, the County will work closely with the community as well as the groups already taking part in riparian reserve rehabilitation activities to ensure that clean-up initiatives are not only effective but also well-coordinated and streamlined. from the upstream localities of Kangemi, Gatina and Kabiru, all the way downstream.
Mr. Auma also promised that the County will continue to furnish the necessary resources, including waste disposal equipment, safety attire, and transportation, to facilitate the community clean-up operations and actively advocate for recycling and waste reduction practices during the clean-ups to minimize negative environmental impact.
The Chair, Nairobi Rivers Commission Ms. Pamela Olet thanked Governor Sakaja for employing new staff to help clean Nairobi. She noted that making Nairobi clean should be everyone’s responsibility in order to take the city where everybody wants it to be. She called on all environment Community Based Organizations to ensure that all their projects are in compliance with the Commission’s Action Plan for alignment and ensuring things are done differently for better results.
The Manager, Kileleshwa Ward Neighboring Association Mr. Samuel Mwaura said that the model project if well implemented it will be a success story that will be replicated in other areas of the city.
“Waruku community is in the support of the project that will see them live in an environment that is clean and free from any pollution.” Said Mr. Mwaura.
Mr. Mwaura also noted that pollution has been a major concern of the National and County Governments, with several initiatives put in place to ensure a clean environment but each time pollution returned immediately after all the interventions.
Waruku Community Based Organizations received basic cleaning tools donated by the Nairobi Rotary club Gigiri.
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