The government is set to ramp up its river rehabilitation efforts in Nairobi, announcing that the number of people hired for these activities will surge from 20,000 to a staggering 50,000 next month.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed this ambitious plan, emphasizing improved wages once the target is met.
Dubbed the National Climate Resilience Programme, or Climate WorX, the initiative aims to integrate young people into the national climate agenda through labour-intensive projects, providing vital job opportunities for vulnerable youth.
Murkomen proudly declared, “Nearly half of the Nairobi River stretch is now fully restored,” underscoring the initiative’s success thus far.
The programme, which also seeks to enhance security in informal settlements like Mukuru Kwa Reuben, will employ the majority of the workers from youth and women. Notably, the government is prioritizing 30,000 individuals who voluntarily relocated to facilitate the extensive cleaning operations.
With the initiative launched in September 2024, teams will focus on cleaning a 47km stretch of rivers, including the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong’ Rivers, actively tackling illegal waste disposal and restoring the environment.
The initiative, celebrated for its multifaceted approach, is expected to be replicated in other major towns, further solidifying Kenya’s commitment to environmental restoration and economic empowerment.
