“WHEN we were growing up, my dad and mum used to take my siblings and I to Dandora water falls for family picnics almost every end of month weekend,” Jackton Ochieng’ says with nostalgia.
He is 42 years old, so this was a short 30 years ago. The change for Ochieng’ and thousands of city families was rapid as the Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong’ rivers struggled under the weight of piling garbage and effluence.
Every rainy season, families living along the banks are beset by foreboding worried floodwaters might sweep them away in the dead of night, or they might wake up to find furniture and even beds floating.
But today, the rivers are going through a sea change, a sigh of relief for communities and children.
Their waters are flowing smoothly once more, teeming with renewed life, thanks to Climate Worx, a government initiative dedicated to river restoration.
Once choked with garbage and debris, the rivers have turned from a symbol of decay to a story of revival.
The ambitious restoration plan, which started in October last year, involves garbage collection and unclogging of waterways, repairing sewer lines and drainage systems, sorting debris and landscaping.
The work is within the riparian area of Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong’ rivers covering 47 kilometres in the 11 subcounties in Nairobi county.
The interventions include establishing tree nurseries, planting trees, demolishing illegal buildings and removing obstructive slabs.
So far, garbage on 82 kilometres has been cleared, eliminating waste clogging waterways and polluted neighbourhoods. In addition, 84 kilometres of river channels have been unclogged, restoring the natural flow of water and cutting the risk of floods.
Teams of youth have sorted and disposed of waste over a 46-kilometre stretch. Forty-five kilometres of clogged sewer lines have been cleaned up, improving sanitation.
Additionally, 155 sewer lines were repaired and 66 kilometres of drainage flowing again.
Bush clearing in 36 targeted areas have been completed, enhancing security. The removal of slabs and foundations from demolished structures covered 20 kilometres, creating space for restoration.
Once stagnant and polluted, the rivers are reclaiming their natural beauty and the surrounding areas looking habitable. Beyond environmental restoration, Climate Worx has ignited hope for thousands of unemployed youth, with 21,493 young people, many that were trapped in cycles of crime and drug abuse, able to earn a living.
For these youth, the initiative is more than just a cleanup project; it’s a second chance at life.
n Starehe constituency, Sammy Kyenzeku, a youth working under the climate works project, told of how the project has given him hope.
“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 programme,” he said.
Kyenzeku highlighted the positive shift within the community, saying residents have embraced the project wholeheartedly. He said people are now more conscious about keeping the environment clean.
“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.
“The transformation has been incredible. Previously, these rivers were filled with plastic waste, rotting debris and sewage. Today, the water is clearer, the air is fresher and the surrounding areas are more habitable. It’s amazing to see how a clean environment can uplift the entire community.”
Residents living near the rivers also feel a great sense of relief. With riparian land cleared, children in Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Starehe (Mariguini area), Korogocho KombGreen and Mathare North (near Kiamaiko bridge) finally have safe spaces.
Irene Kerubo from Dagoretti expressed her gratitude, saying the initiative has transformed many lives. Before the project, many young people struggled to afford basic needs. However, over the past six months, since its launch, things have significantly improved.
But Kerubo also urged the government to provide more equipment and tools as the current resources are insufficient for the number of youth at work.
“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.
Kerubo said with better resources, the project could be more effective, allowing them to work more efficiently and cover larger areas in their cleanup efforts. Kevin Kipkurui, a National Youth Service officer overseeing Climate Worx in Dagoretti, highlighted the programme’s impact on the local youth, many of whom were idle.
“For the last six months, I can confidently say 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,” he said.
Nyumba Kumi elder Bibie Wangeci urged 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.
Paul Mulinge, the Hazina location chief in South B division, Starehe constituency, said crime rate has drastically dropped as most young people are engaged.
“This is a very impactful project and our youth are doing well since it started,” Mulinge said.
He said most of the youth working under Climate Worx project have also empowered themselves through the income they get by opening up small businesses like fruits and vegetables groceries.
“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.
