OPINION: How Nairobi rivers rehabilitation program is playing crucial role in environmental sustainability

As the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) concludes in Nairobi, Kenya this March, the urgent need for effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution remains at the forefront of global environmental discourse.

At the heart of these discussions lies the pressing issue of pollution, particularly in urban water bodies like the Nairobi Rivers.

Here in Kenya, we are no strangers to the challenges posed by pollution, especially in our capital city. The Nairobi Rivers, once a lifeline for communities and ecosystems, has been severely degraded over the years due to various forms of pollution, including industrial discharge, solid waste dumping, and untreated sewage.

This degradation not only threatens the health and well-being of local residents but also undermines the ecological integrity of the entire region.

In the face of this environmental crisis, initiatives like the Nairobi Rivers Basin Rehabilitation and Restoration Program: Sewerage Improvement Program Phase II (NARSIP II) have emerged as a silver lining, demonstrating a commitment to reclaiming our waterways and restoring them to their former glory.

I am proud to say that sewerage projects such as NARSIP II are playing a pivotal role in this endeavour, spearheading efforts to clean up the Nairobi Rivers and its associated areas.

One of the key pillars of projects within Athi Water Works Development Agency is focus on community engagement and participation.

By working closely with local residents, community-based organizations, and government agencies, the program seeks to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship among those directly affected by pollution. Through awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives, AWWDA is empowering communities to take action against pollution and advocate for sustainable environmental practices.

Furthermore, AWWDA recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the need for holistic solutions. In alignment with the theme of UNEA-6 - Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the sewerage projects embrace a comprehensive approach to environmental management, addressing not only pollution but also climate change and biodiversity loss.

By promoting green infrastructure, AWWDA seeks to create resilient ecosystems that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.

At the same time, AWWDA is leveraging partnerships and collaborations to maximize its impact and reach. By forging alliances with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international stakeholders, the program is tapping into a wealth of resources and expertise to accelerate progress towards a cleaner, healthier Nairobi Rivers basin.

Through joint initiatives such as river clean-up drives and pollution combating efforts, AWWDA is catalyzing collective action and mobilizing support for its ambitious goals.

As we reflect on the outcomes of UNEA-6 and chart a course for the future, it is clear that the success of initiatives like NARSIP II will be instrumental in achieving our shared environmental objectives. Among the resolutions passed at UNEA-6, some are particularly relevant to the water sector.

UNEA-6 resolution on promoting synergies, cooperation, or collaboration for national implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and other relevant environmental instruments aligns with AWWDA’s approach of leveraging partnerships to address pollution and other environmental challenges.

The resolution on strengthening international efforts to, among others, promote land conservation and implement sustainable land management practices resonates with AWWDA’s goal of restoring urban water bodies and promoting sustainable development practices in the Nairobi Rivers basin.

These resolutions underscore the importance of cooperation and collective action in addressing environmental challenges, reinforcing the significance of initiatives like NARSIP II in achieving tangible progress towards environmental sustainability.

NARSIP II is not just a project; it is a testament to the power of collective action and the determination to overcome environmental challenges. By working together towards a common goal, we can turn the tide on pollution and create a cleaner, healthier city and world for all.

Together, let us seize this opportunity to make a difference and safeguard the precious resources that sustain life on our planet. The time for action is now, and with initiatives like NARSIP II leading the way, I am confident that we can build a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Eng. Joseph M. Kamau is the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Athi Water Works Development Agency.