Duale calls for urgent action against Nairobi River polluters

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to polluters of Nairobi River, vowing decisive action to restore the river and its ecosystem. 

Speaking during Mazingira Day at the Nairobi Arboretum, CS Duale called out industries, apartment complexes, and even public institutions as the main culprits contributing to the severe pollution of the river.

In his remarks, CS Duale highlighted the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and other key industries as some of the biggest offenders, accusing them of directly dumping waste into the river.

He raised concern that Nairobi’s water bodies are becoming overwhelmed by untreated sewage and industrial waste, resulting in devastating environmental consequences.

"We have no choice but to hold these polluters accountable," Mr Duale said. 

“We must expose them, shame them, and tell them what they are doing to our river.”

The Cabinet Secretary also tasked the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Nairobi County Government with intensifying efforts to curb illegal waste disposal. 

He directed Nema to investigate waste collectors and ensure they are not contributing to the problem by improperly disposing of garbage into water systems.

The CS outlined a commitment to restore not just Nairobi River but also other urban rivers across the country, in line with the government's broader environmental goals under the Climate Action Programme led by President William Ruto.

"Over the next 15 months, Nairobi River will no longer be a sewage drain," he declared.

“We are putting on notice those responsible, including industries, factories, and slaughterhouses.”

The efforts are part of a wider initiative to encourage citizen participation in environmental conservation through tree planting, waste management, and pollution reduction, which are crucial steps toward reviving the country's urban rivers.