- The Deputy President further called on the elected leaders to support the project, dubbed "Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Program".
- He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens.
Image: DPCS
The government will ensure restoration and regeneration of Nairobi Rivers succeed, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
The DP said that the clean-up would assist in restoring the glory of the City and the dignity of the residents particularly those living along the rivers.
Gachagua called for concerted efforts among all stakeholders assuring communities which will be affected by the clean-up program of humane and compassionate treatment during the exercise.
He said that state agencies implementing the program must involve the persons and communities that may be affected by the project.
The DP added that the agencies must work with the City-County elected leaders.
"Whatever decision you make, put people first. You must empathise with them and always put yourself in their shoes as you make decisions. Though we want the rivers cleaned and restored, people must be involved and be granted the opportunity to participate and raise queries," Gachagua said.
He was addressing members of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Nairobi County elected leaders and senior government officials during a meeting he hosted at his official residence in Karen.
The Deputy President further called on the elected leaders to support the project, dubbed "Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme".
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens.
"In every stage of implementation let us carry along the elected leaders. They are very important because they are the representatives of the people. We must continue engaging the leaders and take part in the program. Along the way there will be employment opportunities in the program," he told the Commissioners.
The commission was formed in December 2023 by President William Ruto to coordinate the restoration of the Nairobi Rivers basin to its former glory.
Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza administration will work and engage with all elected leaders irrespective of their political party affiliation.
"The elections are over and what we have now are elected leaders irrespective of which part of political formation they come from. Do not allow myopic politics to come your way. Serve the people without checking political formation. Elections are over, we don't have this side or that side. We are supposed to serve the people," he said.
Leaders present included Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri and MPs Phelix Jalang'o (Lang'ata), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Esther Pasaris (Nairobi Woman Representative), Beatrice Elachi (Dagorreti North) and Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji).
Other leaders included Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North), MCAs among others.