Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says that pollution of the Nairobi Rivers is not only a threat to city residents but to all Kenyans.
Speaking on Wednesday when he hosted key stakeholders to discuss the Nairobi Rivers regeneration, the DP said Nairobi is the door to Kenya and Africa, and the regeneration is important and urgent.
He insisted that the City cannot be the top investment destination when its rivers are full of health hazards.
"Pollution and other forms of degradation of the Nairobi Rivers are a threat to the existence of our people, not only in Nairobi and its environs but also across the country.
"We cannot take pride in Nairobi as the top investment destination in Africa and globally when the rivers are choking in pollution- a high health hazard to our people," Gachagua said.
He said the leaders present, who included senior leaders of Ministries, State departments and agencies, Nairobi MCAs, legislators and members of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, have a responsibility to make the right decision in the interest of the people.
Gachagua said the country's long-term benefits must not be short-changed with selfish gains to few individuals.
"That is why we must be resolute in our decisions."
Leaders present at the meeting held at the DP's Karen residence include Cabinet secretaries Aden Duale (Defence) and Zachary Njeru (Water).
Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri and MPs Phelix Jalang'o (Lang'ata), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Esther Pasaris (Nairobi Woman Representative), were also present.
Others were chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission Dr Pamela Olet, Principal Secretaries Festus Ng'eno (Environment and Climate Change), Teresiah Mbaika (Devolution), Charles Hinga (Housing and Urban Development), Nixon Korir (Lands) and Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation).
