President William Ruto has appointed former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu as a member of the Nairobi River Commission.
The 9-member commission will be chaired by Pamela A. Olet.
Other members include Mumo Musuva – Representative from Nairobi City County; Grace Senewa Mesopirr — representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry; Eva Muhia – representing Riverine Communities; Elizabeth Wathuti– representing Civil Society; Carlota Dal Lago – representing the Private Sector; Eng. Elijah Biama– representing Academia; and Duncan Ojwang– representing Academia
In a gazette notice dated December 2, 2022, the commission will reclaim the rivers of Nairobi as a spine to the city's blue and green infrastructure for a better urban environment and quality of life.
The team will also examine previous reports and recommendations made in the efforts of reclaiming Nairobi River and adopt lessons learned in the new initiative.
"In particular reference to Nairobi River Basin Project (UNEP, 2000); Adopt-A-River Initiative (UNEP and Rotary Clubs, 2019–ongoing), Nairobi River Regeneration Initiative (UN-Habitat and GoK, 2020– ongoing); and Urban Rivers Regeneration Programme (NEMA, 2019 – 2024) and incorporate the lessons to the new initiative;
"Undertake an assessment of the rivers related to the current and future issues and their root causes and develop a programme called the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme (NABREP) to restore and enhance the Nairobi Basin and related infrastructure to such standards as permits the full enjoyment of a safe, inclusive and healthy environment for all and unlock the socio-economic potential of the Basin," Ruto said in the gazette notice.
The President also tasked the commission to co-ordinate the activities of various players mandated to engage in the rehabilitation, protection, restoration, beautification, and sustainable development of the riverine basin within Nairobi City County towards transforming the Nairobi rivers system into a new economic and retail frontier of the city.
"Monitor compliance with the laws and regulations governing the environment of the Basin and its catchment areas in collaboration with the departments, agencies and/or ministries of the County Government of Nairobi and the National Government and propose institutional and regulatory modifications where necessary," he stated.
