THE PERMANENT MISSION AND NAIROBI RIVERS INITIATIVE
The Nairobi River has over the years been exposed to different levels of pollution affecting the quality of life of urban dwellers who depend on it. Various players have carried out initiatives aimed at the rehabilitation, protection, restoration, beautification and sustainable development of the riverine basin. One of such was led by UN-Habitat under the Nairobi River life project. The Permanent Mission coordinated these efforts that led to the signing of an agreement on 14th July 2021 between the Government of Kenya an d UN-Habitat that would ensure the provision of United Nations technical expertise in a variety of multi-year projects to reclaim and renovate several kilometers of Nairobi River.
The Nairobi River Life project, was part of the broader Nairobi River Regeneration Initiative, a joint flagship initiative of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). UN-Habitat has continued to provide technical expertise to restore the river system and prioritize the riverfront development. On December 2, 2022, H.E. President William Ruto, through Gazette Notice Number 14891, established the Nairobi Rivers Commission to restore the rivers of Nairobi as a central element of the city’s blue and green infrastructure, enhancing the urban environment and quality of life.
The Commission has since taken over all activities related to the restoration of Nairobi rivers. The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) is grounded in the Constitution of Kenya, guided by the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (No. 8 of 1999) and the Climate Change Act (No. 11 of 2016), which focus on environmental protection. The Permanent Mission, along with UN-Habitat, remains a key strategic partner in the Commission’s operations. The Permanent Mission also continues to coordinate collaborative efforts from the diplomatic Corps in Nairobi with regards to the commission’s activities.
