The regeneration of rivers in Nairobi county will now involve the construction of new houses for families living on river banks.
President William Ruto said on Wednesday this is part of uplifting the living conditions of city dwellers under the affordable housing project.
"All those people living on river banks, we will build you new houses. We are going to make sure that this regeneration programme of our rivers will include the regeneration of our housing development in those areas," he said.
He spoke while launching the Nairobi River Commission in Korogocho slums, Nairobi.
River banks in slum areas within the city are mostly dotted with iron sheet shanties, painting a picture of deplorable living conditions.
Families living in the houses dump waste into the rivers, corroding the water with mountains of garbage and heavy metals over time.
The water in the rivers has over the years become channels of murky and toxic streams unable to support aquatic life like was before the pollution.
Ruto said the establishment of the new houses will include the construction of Sh22 billion sewerage system to ensure waste no longer finds its way into the regenerated rivers.
He said nine contractors will work on the project and directed the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company to work with the Athi Water Company in overseeing the project to completion.
"We have a programme already funded by the Africa Development Bank and other development partners for the construction and installation of a proper sewage system, especially in Eastlands," he said.
The head of state put on notice those that pollute the rivers saying they will be dealt with as per the law.
"That must stop, our rivers are not a place for sewage," he said.
Under the housing programme, tenants will have the leeway to fully own the houses after several years through the rent-to-own checkoff system.
"You will only pay Sh3,000 every month, after 15 years it becomes your house," he said.
The Nairobi River Commission has been mandated with overseeing the implementation of Ruto's grand plan to clean up rivers in Nairobi and restore the city to its former glory.
The Nairobi River regeneration programme is touted as one that will reclaim the rivers and better the environment, the spine of the city's blue and green infrastructure.
The eight-member Commission is chaired by Pamela A. Olet.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was also appointed to the Commission but the court gave orders preventing his swearing-in.
The other commissioners were sworn in on Wednesday ahead of the launch of the Commission.
