President William Ruto is set to launch the Nairobi River Commission at Kogorogocho in Nairobi on Wednesday.
The commission is the president’s initiative to clean up the river and restore it to its former glory.
In attendance at the launch is Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who will oversee the commission’s work.
Initially, Ruto stated that his goal is to clean up the capital city's squalor and transform Nairobi into a place where people can enjoy it and businesses can flourish by eliminating sewage and any other effluents that are entering the city's rivers.
“If you look at our rivers in Nairobi, it is a sad story and I want to assure the residents of Nairobi that we will make the Nairobi River what it should be,” Ruto said.
Before the launch, the appointees of the Commission whose chairperson is Pamela A. Olet will be sworn in on Wednesday.
Other members include Elizabeth Wathuti – Representing Civil Society, Eva Muhia – Representing Riverine Communities, Carlota Dal Lago – Representing the Private Sector, Duncan Ojwang – Representing Academia and Elijah Biama – Representing Academia.
Mumo Musuva – a Representative from Nairobi City County and Grace Senewa Mesopirr — Representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry are also part of the commission.
Ferdinand Waititu, a former governor of Kiambu, was also appointed to the Commission, but his appointment was contested, and the court issued stay orders to prevent his swearing-in.
The members' terms of office are three years with one performance-based renewal.
The National Government and the Nairobi City County Government shall approve funds for the Commission's use, and donations shall also be used to support the Commission.
In order to implement lessons learned in the new endeavour, the commission will also be expected to review earlier reports and recommendations made to reclaim the Nairobi River.
