CS Duale Issues Warning to 145 Factories Discharging Wastewater Into Nairobi River

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Aden Duale has issued a warning to facilities releasing wastewater into Nairobi River.

Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 2, the CS said the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has already identified non-compliant facilities discharging waste into the river.  

CS Duale noted that the facilities must treat the water to meet the national standards before releasing it into the river or face closure.  

"NEMA has already mapped out 145 facilities discharging waste into the river, 101 of which have compliance issues. We have issued restoration orders, and all non-compliant facilities must now treat their wastewater according to national standards or face closure," he said. 

Duale noted that NEMA had received strict directives to guarantee complete adherence to environmental regulations.

President William Ruto recently relaunched Climate WorX initiative to restore the Nairobi River, emphasizing environmental sustainability and community involvement.  

Ruto said the latest phase, unveiled on September 12, 2024, aims to rehabilitate the river basin and better the lives of families living along its banks. 

“By launching the National Climate Resilience Programme, we take our first significant step to build resilience, restore our natural ecosystems, and create opportunities for our youth,” Ruto said. 

This project is part of the broader Climate WorX initiative, which will engage 200,000 youth in various environmental activities, including tree planting and solid waste management. 

The government is partnering with the African Development Bank to enhance Nairobi's sewerage system, addressing pollution from industries and households.  

Ruto has warned polluters of strict accountability measures and emphasized the need for transparent execution of the program without political interference. 

"Those industries, whether public or private entities, polluting our rivers will be held to account, and you will pay for it," he said.

This initiative follows previous unsuccessful attempts to clean the river, highlighting a renewed commitment to making Nairobi a cleaner and more livable city.