Restoring Nairobi’s rivers

Jan 02, 2024

Your excellency President William S. Ruto,

Your excellency Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President

Cabinet Secretary of Environment, HE Soipan Tuya

Dr. Pamela Olet, Chair of the Nairobi Rivers Commission and Members of the Nairobi Rivers Commission

I am deeply honoured to be here today as H.E. President Ruto launches the hugely important Nairobi Rivers Commission. Nairobi's rivers are the lifeline for people, for the economy and for the city. Now this is not the first time we have attempted to rejuvenate and restore the Nairobi River. But I submit to you Excellencies - this time IS different – because we all know, we cannot afford to fail.

Last year I was privileged to join Deputy President HE Gachagua, in Garissa. We are living daily the consequences of the longest and most severe drought in Kenya's recent history. The drought is impacting the poorest and most vulnerable in this country. They are least to blame for the environmental crisis we face – what we at UNEP call the triple planetary crisis – the crisis of climate change; the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss; and the crisis of pollution and waste.

In the work of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, I see three important ingredients of success:

First, restoring our waterbodies is more than a "clean-up" job, but about looking at the entire basin and addressing what flows into the rivers. Restoring waterbodies is about healthy people, sanitation, and hygiene. Restoring waterbodies is about green businesses and jobs. Restoring water bodies is about women's rights. Restoring water bodies is about peace. Restoring water bodies is about sustainable development and better lives for our children and grandchildren.

Second, restoring our waterbodies involves all of us. This is not just about government raising it hand to lead, certainly we applaud that – but this is about engaging with private sector, local businesses, the judiciary, and communities. Indeed, UNEP's work with countries around the world signals the importance of letting communities, especially women, youth and indigenous people drive sustainable water management practices. Everyone's voice matters so that we ensure everyone benefits.

Third, restoring waterbodies requires partnerships. And President Ruto – here I assure you that you can count on us – the United Nations Environment Programme – which for 50 years has been proud to call Nairobi our home. We look forward to working closely with the Nairobi Rivers Commission; UN-Habitat; the World Resources Institute, and other partners as you seek to script a sustainable future for all people in this remarkable city, and indeed this remarkable country.