MANDANO: Nairobi rivers reborn: A fresh start for waterways and youth

A youth under the Climate WorX initiative to clan Nairobi rivers/HANDOUT

“When we were growing up, my dad and mum used to take my siblings and me to Dandora waterfall for family picnics almost every end-of-month weekend,” quips Ochieng nostalgically.

He is only 42 years old so this was a short 30 years ago. This story and that of many other children and families in Nairobi changed rapidly as the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers struggled under the weight of increased pollution and neglect.

Every rainy season, they swelled with floodwaters, bringing destruction to homes and posing serious health risks to communities. But today, these rivers are breathing a sigh of relief and so are the communities and children growing up around them.

Their waters are flowing freely once more, teeming with renewed life, thanks to Climate WorX, a government-led initiative dedicated to river restoration and climate action. Once choked with garbage and debris, the rivers are now transforming from a symbol of decay to a story of revival.

Nairobi’s rivers are flowing once more not just with water but with opportunity, renewal, and life. This ambitious restoration exercise, which began in October last year involves garbage collection and unclogging of waterways, repairing sewer lines and drainage systems, sorting debris and leveling ground for landscaping.

The work is within the riparian area of Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong Rivers covering 47 kms in all the 11 Sub-counties of Nairobi City County. Other environmental interventions they are engaged in include establishing tree nurseries, planting trees, demolishing illegal structures and removing obstructive slabs.

So far, the project has successfully collected garbage across 82 kilometers, helping to eliminate waste that previously clogged waterways and polluted neighborhoods. In addition, 84 kilometers of river channels have been unclogged, restoring the natural flow of water and reducing the risk of flooding.

The energetic, youthful team has also sorted debris over a stretch of 46 kilometers, ensuring that waste materials are properly managed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

A total of 45 km of sewer lines were unclogged and connected, significantly improving sanitation. Additionally, 155 sewer lines were successfully repaired, and 66 km of drainage systems were cleared, preventing waterlogging and flooding. Furthermore, bush clearing along rivers was completed in all 36 targeted areas, enhancing accessibility and safety.

The removal of slabs and foundations from demolished structures covered 20 km, creating space for environmental restoration and future development. Once stagnant and polluted, these rivers are reclaiming their natural beauty, and the surrounding areas are becoming healthier and more livable.

Beyond environmental restoration, Climate WorX has ignited hope for thousands of unemployed youth. The program has provided jobs to approximately 21,493 young people, many of whom were previously trapped in cycles of crime and drug abuse. Through this initiative, they’ve found not just employment but a renewed sense of purpose.

For these youth, the initiative is more than just a cleanup project; it’s a second chance at life. They are engaged in meaningful work, earn an income, support their families, and contribute positively to society. Many of them had lost hope, but today, they wake up each morning with a purpose.

In Starehe constituency, Sammy Kyenzeku a youth working under the Climate WorX project, narrated that the project has been a major life-changing path for most youth especially those who were earlier involved in criminal activities and have now reformed.

"The income we earn from the Climate WorX project has been a lifeline, helping us pay our bills and support our families. We are truly grateful for such a transformative program," comments Kyenzeku.

He also highlighted the positive shift within the community, noting that residents have embraced the project wholeheartedly. He noted that ordinary people are now more conscious about keeping the environment clean, and are all benefiting from a healthier, greener neighborhood.

"Climate WorX has highly reduced pollution in the rivers and environment, and we are glad that nowadays even the community complies with us as they assist us in maintaining cleanliness," he said.

He further noted that in the past, waste disposal was a major challenge, with residents carelessly dumping garbage into the rivers, leading to clogged waterways and frequent flooding. However, through community sensitization and active involvement in the cleanup initiative, people have become more responsible in waste management.

"The transformation has been incredible. Previously, these rivers were filled with plastic waste, rotting debris, and even sewage. Today, the water is clearer, the air is fresher, and the surrounding areas are much more habitable. It’s amazing to see how a clean environment can uplift the entire community," he added.

Additionally, he expressed optimism that if such efforts continue, Nairobi’s rivers could fully recover, providing a healthier ecosystem for both people and wildlife. The ripple effect of the Climate WorX initiative is being felt far and wide beyond the banks of the rivers. What was once a polluted wasteland is becoming a hub of community life, offering cleaner air, greener spaces, and a safer environment for all.

Wildlife is also slowly returning, and the surrounding areas are looking greener and more habitable. Residents living near the rivers also feel a great sense of relief.

With riparian land cleared, children in areas like Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Starehe (Mariguini area), Korogocho CombGreen, and Mathare North (near Kimaiko Bridge) finally have safe spaces to play. Before, floods would wash away homes, belongings, and even lives. Now, with improved drainage and unclogged waterways, the risk of disaster has significantly reduced.

Families can sleep peacefully, knowing that their homes are no longer under constant threat from floods. With work progressing steadily, Nairobi’s rivers are on the path to full recovery. The Climate WorX initiative is proving that environmental conservation and youth empowerment can go hand in hand, creating a cleaner, healthier, and more hopeful future for all.

Another youth from Dagoretti, Irene Kerubo, also expressed her gratitude, emphasizing how the initiative has transformed lives. She noted that before the project, many young people struggled to afford even their basic needs. However, over the past six months, since its launch, things have significantly improved.

Kerubo said she was once idle and uncertain about their future, now she has a source of income and is actively contributing to environmental conservation efforts. However, Kerubo also urged the government to provide more equipment and tools to facilitate their work, as the current resources are insufficient for the number of youth involved in the project.

"We would like to have adequate equipment because the number of youth participating is high, but the available tools are too few to go around," she said.

She further said that with better resources, the project could be even more effective, allowing them to work more efficiently and cover larger areas in their cleanup efforts. In a more nuanced way, when the youth are meaningfully engaged, there is not only innovation but also a reduction in crime rates, especially in the largely populated areas.

Kevin Kipkurui, a National Youth Service Officer overseeing Climate WorX at Dagoretti, highlighted the program's significant impact on the local youth, many of whom were previously idle and struggling to find opportunities.

"For the last six months since the project was launched, I can confidently say that the crime rate has decreased, and many young people are now earning a living. The project has not only provided youth with jobs but also instilled a sense of responsibility and purpose." Kipkurui stated.

Kipkurui said many of the young men and women now wake up every morning with a clear goal that they are not only working to clean the environment but also securing a better future for themselves and their families. Nyumba Kumi elder Bibie Wangeci Ramadan was quick to encourage the government to not put an end to the project

"The youth are happy with the project as it is assisting them, and they are urging the government to make Climate WorX a continuous initiative without an end-term limit," she said.

Wangeci insisted on the need to sustain the initiative for enhanced environmental conservation, crime reduction, and economic empowerment. She said the young people now have a reason to stay away from crime and drugs since they are engaged in meaningful work that benefits not only them but also the entire community.

Paul Mulinge the Hazina location chief in South B division, Starehe constituency also noted that crime rate has drastically dropped since the project started last year as most of the youth are engaged in working at the climate works project.

This is a very impactful project, and our youths are doing well since it started,” Mulinge said.

He also stated that most of the youths working under climate works project have also empowered themselves through the income they get by opening up small businesses like fruits and vegetables groceries through the income they get from government.

“This project has also boosted the presidential initiative of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 and the youths are doing a good job in curbing the effects of climate change,”’ he said.