By Michelle Ndaga
The Kenyan government has awarded a Sh37.6 billion contract to China Energy Engineering Group, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, to lead the Nairobi River Basin Rehabilitation and Restoration Programme.
The ambitious project, unveiled by President William Ruto in March 2025 as part of a broader Sh50 billion initiative, will focus on improving urban infrastructure and environmental sustainability along the Nairobi River.
Works will include the construction of a trunk sewer line, cycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, flood control systems, bridge rehabilitations, drainage networks, and modern street lighting.
Officials say the project is expected to directly benefit 1.8 million residents of Nairobi while creating at least 40,000 jobs.
It will also integrate with the Climate WorX program, which officially kicks off on October 1, 2025, aligning with Kenya’s climate resilience and green growth agenda.
The award has sparked debate on social media, particularly on X, where some Kenyans have welcomed the involvement of foreign expertise in fast-tracking major infrastructure works.
Others, however, have raised concerns over the sidelining of local firms, the long-term economic implications of relying on foreign contractors, and questions about the sustainability of such mega-projects amid Kenya’s rising public debt.
The Nairobi River initiative is among the flagship projects President Ruto has championed as part of his urban renewal and climate adaptation agenda.
