Nairobi river restoration calls for better planning and public action

The Nairobi Rivers Commission has called for integrated urban planning and a change in public attitudes to tackle pollution, flooding and the degradation of river corridors in the capital.

The commission highlighted the need to address sewage pollution, solid waste disposal, encroachment on riparian areas and flooding as part of efforts to restore Nairobi’s rivers and build a more climate-resilient city.

The issues were highlighted during the Smart Cities Forum 2026, which brings together stakeholders to discuss approaches to sustainable urban development and the challenges facing rapidly growing cities.

According to the commission, restoring Nairobi’s rivers requires coordinated interventions that go beyond cleaning up waterways. Effective urban planning, improved waste management, better sewage infrastructure and protection of riparian reserves are also necessary to address the sources of pollution and prevent further environmental degradation.

The commission emphasised that changing public mindsets would be essential to achieving lasting results, noting that the success of river restoration depends partly on how residents, businesses and institutions interact with the environment.

Improper waste disposal and the discharge of untreated sewage into waterways can undermine restoration projects, even where clean-up activities are taking place. Solid waste can obstruct drainage channels, while the destruction or occupation of riparian areas can interfere with natural river functions and increase the risks associated with flooding.

The commission said it remained committed to promoting a cleaner, greener and more resilient Nairobi through the regeneration and protection of river corridors.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of incorporating environmental protection into urban development, particularly as cities face increasing pressure from population growth, expanding settlements and climate-related hazards.

Protecting river corridors can help improve water quality, preserve ecosystems and strengthen the capacity of urban areas to cope with heavy rainfall. However, these benefits depend on sustained enforcement of environmental regulations, investment in sanitation and drainage infrastructure, and cooperation between government agencies, communities and private-sector actors.

Public participation will also be important in ensuring that restoration gains are maintained. Residents can contribute by avoiding illegal dumping, reporting pollution and supporting initiatives that protect waterways and riparian vegetation.

For Nairobi, the challenge is to combine river rehabilitation with long-term measures that prevent pollution from entering waterways in the first place. This requires closer coordination between urban planners, environmental authorities, water and sanitation providers, and local communities.

The commission’s message at the forum places behaviour change alongside infrastructure development and environmental enforcement as essential elements of river regeneration.

As Nairobi continues to grow, the protection of its rivers will remain closely linked to how the city manages waste, plans settlements and responds to climate risks. Sustainable restoration will depend on maintaining these efforts beyond individual clean-up campaigns and embedding river protection into everyday urban management.