Ruto launches phase 2 of Nairobi river restoration

President William Ruto has launched the second phase of the Nairobi River restoration works, an ambitious project that is set to employ an additional 18,000 youth from Nairobi area.

Dubbed Nairobi River engineering works, the project according to Ruto will involve expanding and deepening the river and construction of a 54-kilometre sewer line on both sides of the river.

Speaking during the event, Ruto said over 20,000 youth are currently engaged under the first phase of the project launched in September 2024.

“We already have 22,000 youth in this programme but I want to declare here today that we are adding 18,000 more to join hands with the rest under this Climate Workx initiative to help us in this big project that will clean the river,” he said.

The youth were involved in various activities including clearing garbage and unclogging the sewers along the 95-km stretch of the river from Ngong to Mathare.

“Nairobi city is our capital city and the headquarters of UNEP and other UN-Habitat and that is why we are deliberate on making it clean,” he stated.

Ruto said the National Youth Service (NYS) will also be involved and will procure 50 new trucks to be used in the works.

Additionally, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will also be on the ground.

Ruto at the same time announced that the government will construct new houses for those who were affected by the floods in Nairobi.

“We have agreed that we are going to build 54,000 new houses for those who were displaced by the floods here,” he said.

Ruto further assured the youth that their pay will be increased and that it will be paid on time.

Under the scheme, selected youths work on alternating weeks—two weeks on and two weeks off—earning Sh500 per day, while youth supervisors receive Sh550 per day.

Payments are made via mobile money transfer at the end of the two-week work shift.

Nairobi Rivers Commission chairperson Margaret Wanjiru urged the local administration to ensure those to be recruited are locals.