The Nairobi River is undergoing a major revival as the government ramps up efforts to clean and restore the 27-kilometre stretch of the polluted river corridor, with a new trunk sewer line already under construction.

The Nairobi Rivers Commission, which is leading the project, said the ongoing transformation is part of a larger plan to reclaim the river and turn it into a clean, green and thriving space that benefits both residents and the environment.

Commission Chief Executive Officer Brigadier Joseph Muracia confirmed that several activities are already in progress, including key river engineering works near the Lucky Summer area.

“For decades, the river has been choked by solid waste, ageing sewer infrastructure, and untreated industrial and institutional waste. This project aims to change that,” Muracia said.

The broader aim of the initiative is to redefine the Nairobi River as a vital public space that improves quality of life, supports natural ecosystems, and secures long-term water availability.

The work is being implemented under the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme, which was launched in March by President William Ruto. It includes construction of a new sewer network, wastewater treatment plants, pedestrian bridges, cycling paths, green spaces, and affordable housing along the reclaimed riverbanks. In Kamukunji, a football pitch and community hall are already under construction.

The Ministry of Defence is leading the design and execution of the project, working closely with agencies such as the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Nairobi County, the State Department for Housing, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and Energy China.

Muracia noted that more than 35,000 young people have already taken part in cleaning the river, and another 5,000 are set to join the initiative.

These youth are engaged under the Climate WorX programme, which seeks to involve communities in tackling climate and environmental problems.

When launching the initiative, President Ruto termed the Sh50 billion project as transformative, saying it would deliver cleaner neighbourhoods, safer public spaces and better livelihoods for thousands of Kenyans.

The initiative is also expected to generate 40,000 jobs, nearly doubling the 22,000 created under the earlier Climate WorX Mtaani programme.

“This initiative will ensure dignified living, sustainable transport, and economic empowerment,” Ruto said. “In 24 months, Kenyans will begin to see a transformed Nairobi River.”

The programme extends beyond Nairobi to parts of Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, Murang’a and Makueni counties. It targets key challenges such as water pollution, flooding, urban sustainability, and disease prevention. Plans include a 60-kilometre sewer line and 50,000 affordable houses in restored river zones.

To support these efforts, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi set aside Sh26.8 billion for water and sewerage infrastructure in the 2025/26 national budget. An additional Sh16.5 billion was allocated to water resource management and Sh1.9 billion to flood control and water storage, which will finance both the river project and other national water initiatives.