Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Thursday, November 24, rekindled the memories of former Minister for Environment John Michuki, who promised to clean the Nairobi River.
Gachagua reignited efforts to reclaim the river and rid it of endemic pollution as the government moots the formation of a commission to undertake the tas
In 2008, Michuki declared his intention to help reclaim the badly polluted river as a priority.
The late minister also assured that he would be the first person to swim in it as soon as the job was done. However, he passed away before fulfiling his pledge.
Speaking at his offices, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed that the government was setting up a commission that would spearhead all efforts to clean the river and return it to its natural state.
“The Nairobi River is a national shame. The level of pollution in the river is unacceptable and the quality of life of those who live next to it lacks dignity,” the DP confirmed.
He also affirmed that President William Ruto asked him to ensure that the commission was up and running.
“My office has been assigned the task of cleaning up the river and we will sort it out,” Gachagua stated while addressing a working group from UN Agencies and government officials from the Ministry of Environment.
According to the DP, the commission would comprise of both state and non-state actors including UN agencies.
“No single actor can deal with the issue alone. This river has been polluted for years and it will take a concerted effort to clean it up,” he affirmed.
The commission would also be mandated to halt the pollution, clean the river, and create livelihood projects around the river.
Nairobi River commission would further restore the surrounding levels to acceptable levels.
“Each of us needs to be part of this process, including those who had little choice in finding themselves depending on the river in one way or another,” Gachagua explained.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
