Environment and Forestry CS Aden Duale has said the government is committed to reclaiming riparian land along the Nairobi River.
In a statement after appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment on Tuesday, October 15, the CS said the government will take back the land regardless of the ownership.
"I emphasized that the government remains committed to reclaiming all riparian land along Nairobi's 47-kilometer river ecosystem, regardless of ownership.
"The multi-agency Climate Worx Mtaani initiative aims to restore the rivers to their pristine state within 18 months," Duale said in his statement.
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This comes barely a week after Duale issued a warning to companies and individuals fond of polluting the environment.
Speaking at State House Nairobi on Thursday, October 10, the CS said the ministry and its stakeholders will shame those who pollute rural and urban rivers, including the Nairobi River.
Duale further warned that the extent of punishment will include asking banks to deny credit to those found responsible for environmental pollution.
"We will shame, in public, in private, those who pollute Nairobi River and all our urban and rural rivers. And we will ask even banks that you must deny credit to customers who participate in the pollution of the environment," the CS said.
The government recently initiated a comprehensive effort to clean the Nairobi River in a bid to restore its ecosystem and address severe pollution from waste and untreated sewage.
Through the Climate WorX Mtaani initiative, the government aims to create employment for thousands of Kenyans while addressing environmental issues, particularly the cleanup of the Nairobi River.
This initiative is part of the broader Nairobi River Regeneration Project, which seeks to rehabilitate a 47-kilometer stretch of the river, transforming it into a commercial and recreational hub.
