Caption:The initiative involves several key projects, including the construction of a 60-kilometer sewer line to eliminate wastewater and sewage pollution. VIDEO/State House
President William Ruto has announced a major initiative aimed at creating 30,000 job opportunities for young people in Nairobi. According to the Head of State, the program, part of the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, seeks to restore the heavily polluted Nairobi River and improve the city’s environment.
Speaking in Eastleigh on Monday, March 10, 2025, the Head of State emphasized that the project will bring significant change to the capital city within 24 months. He assured Nairobi residents that the river, which is currently filled with waste, will be transformed, making the city cleaner and more habitable.
“Mimi nitaanzisha mpango was kuajiri vijana 30,000. In 24 months, mtaona mabadiliko apa Nairobi River. Mahali mnaona ni maji ya takataka, itabadilika. Kenya itabadilika. The country will not change if we do not make the right decision. Kanairo nawapenda sana, ‘nawalombotovu’,” Ruto quipped.
The initiative involves several key projects, including the construction of a 60-kilometer sewer line to eliminate wastewater and sewage pollution. This will not only enhance sanitation but also create employment opportunities for thousands of youths involved in the construction work. Additionally, the project will involve the removal of solid waste, unclogging of the river, and widening and deepening the waterway to help control flooding.
“Today, we are starting a huge project under the Nairobi River Regeneration Program. We will construct a 60-kilometer sewer line so that we do away with wastewater and sewage to make the Nairobi River clean,” Ruto said.
Rehabilitation
As part of the regeneration efforts, weir dams will be constructed to regulate water levels, while wetlands will be established to assist in water purification. These measures aim to make the Nairobi River cleaner and more sustainable for the future.
Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative also includes the construction of 50,000 social housing units. This project will provide affordable housing while offering employment opportunities to thousands of workers in the construction sector.
“We will also build 50,000 social houses, making sure that our youth get employed while also making the city clean. We will need 30,000 people,” the President added.
The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Program, Ruto said, is expected to play a role in improving the urban landscape, creating jobs, and ensuring a healthier environment for Nairobi residents. The government has pledged its commitment to transforming the city and making it a model for urban renewal in Kenya.