The Kenyan government has issued stern warnings to more than 100 industries and factories over non-compliance with environmental regulations, as part of its intensified efforts to address the persistent pollution of the Nairobi River.
Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, revealed that these facilities, which discharge untreated waste into the river, now face closure unless they meet strict wastewater treatment standards.
During a session in the National Assembly, Duale disclosed that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) had identified 145 facilities contributing to the river’s contamination, with 101 of them failing to adhere to waste management regulations. “We have issued restoration orders, and all non-compliant facilities must now treat their wastewater according to national standards or face closure,” he said, while responding to questions from Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang.
The pollution of the Nairobi River has long been a point of concern for both environmental advocates and residents, with previous efforts to rehabilitate the river yielding limited success. The deteriorating condition of the waterway, once a vital resource for the city’s population, has resulted in mounting health and environmental risks. Waste from nearby industries, poor management of urban garbage, and the encroachment of settlements on riparian land have compounded the problem.
Duale emphasized that NEMA had been given clear instructions to enforce full compliance with environmental laws. “The restoration of the Nairobi River and other urban rivers is a top priority of this government, and we are committed to ensuring clean, safe, and healthy ecosystems for all,” he told lawmakers.
Beyond industrial pollution, the rise of illegal dump sites along the river has exacerbated the problem. In his address, Kajwang raised concerns about the infamous Dandora dumpsite, which he described as a major contributor to the river’s pollution. Duale acknowledged the severity of illegal waste disposal and assured Parliament that NEMA was collaborating with the Nairobi County Government to close these sites.
“Waste collection, dumping, and management is a devolved function, but the Ministry works closely with County Governments to ensure sustainable waste management,” Duale said.
He listed several illegal dump sites that had already been shut down, including locations in Starehe and Kamukunji sub-counties, as part of the government’s broader effort to tackle urban waste. Sites like Sunken Car Park, Globe Roundabout, and the Colnet waste collection site along Rabai have all been closed.
The government has also launched the President’s Climate Resilience Service Programme, known as Climate WorX, aimed at engaging local communities in environmental restoration efforts. In the first phase of the initiative, 20,000 young people have been deployed to work on rehabilitating urban rivers, including the Nairobi River. Duale confirmed that the program would be expanded to other major cities, as the government steps up its fight against pollution.
