CS DIRECTS FOR PROSECUTION OF POLLUTERS WITHIN NBI RIVER

CS, Mr. Keriako Tobiko consulting with the PS, Mr. Ali Noor Ismail during the tour of the Nairobi river basin

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Keriako Tobiko has directed that individuals, companies and public institutions discharging raw waste into Nairobi River be charged for the offence.

The CS said today that pollution of the rivers undermines the realization of universal health and food security which is among the country’s big four Agenda.

The CS directive comes after an inspection exercise where it was found out that landlords and property owners in the informal settlement are emptying raw sewage into the river instead of channeling to the sewer line.

The CS found that crops and water consumed by residents along the Nairobi River Basin is contaminated with raw sewage.

Mr. Tobiko was on a fact finding mission along the Nairobi river basin, he visited Kirichwa Kubwa, Kinyanjui, Dagoretti, Kileleshwa and Westlands areas, where the river passes through.

CS, Mr. Keriako Tobiko with PS, Mr. Ali Ismail and DG, NEMA, Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu at the Nairobi river during the tour.689A4800

The CS also inspected the on-going cleanup of the river which includes removal of sludge,   clearing of the banks, unblocking of water ways and re-afforestation. The project has engaged 600 youths on casual basis.

The 42 KM Nairobi rivers source is Kikuyu highlands, and it flows through Nairobi then to the city’s Eastland’s.

The cleanup is an ongoing exercise aimed at restoring Nairobi city’s lost glory.