Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Nairobi County Government to deal with culprits polluting the Nairobi River.
Speaking at the Nairobi Arboretum while leading Kenyans in marking Mazingira Day, the vocal minister ordered the NEMA officials to ensure no more dumping of garbage inside the Nairobi water stream. As a result, he directed the Authority’s officials to question garbage collectors where they dump their waste.
CS Duale also cautioned companies that dump their waste at the Nairobi River, stating that decisive action would be taken against any company found culpable of polluting the main river.
According to Duale, most households within Nairobi City lacked sewer tanks, a factor that he claimed immensely contributed to the pollution of the Nairobi River.
“In the next 15 months, Nairobi River should be a river and not sewage, we have put on notice, the polluters of Nairobi River including Industries, factories, slaughterhouses, and those who collect garbage,” Duale stated.
In his speech, CS Duale listed the Nairobi Water Sewerage Company and the Ardhi and Water Sewerage Company as allegedly the biggest polluters of the Nairobi River, closely followed by industries located near the river.
Tree Planting Exercise
Meanwhile, the tree planting initiative is in line with Kenya’s broader environmental strategy, which includes afforestation, reforestation, and the protection of water catchment areas.
The tree planting exercise forms part of President William Ruto’s administration's Green Kenya Initiative which is aimed at restoring the country's ecosystems and addressing the adverse effects of climate change.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi while presiding over the planting of 3000 tree seedlings in Maseno, Kisumu County, called on Kenyans to participate in the tree planting exercise. Muturi underscored the critical role of environmental conservation and restoration in combating climate change and improving Kenya’s green cover.
"As Kenyans, we must take it upon ourselves to plant trees not only for the present but for future generations. Every tree we plant today contributes to our target of 15 billion trees, which is key to safeguarding our environment and securing the future," Muturi stated.
He urged workers to take up the responsibility of planting and nurturing trees, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the national tree-planting initiative.
His sentiments were echoed by PS Amos Gathecha who reiterated the government’s vision of embedding environmental conservation within public service activities, ensuring that every citizen is actively involved in the mission.
