Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed that two state parastatals are among the key companies identified as major polluters of the Nairobi River. Speaking at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Duale named the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) and Athi Water Services as the primary culprits.
Duale highlighted the significant environmental concern posed by these state agencies, explaining that their main sewerage lines run beneath the riverbed, contributing to the pollution. “The biggest polluters of the Nairobi River are the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and Athi Water Services. We discovered that their main sewerage lines pass through the river. Now, we must redo the sewer system, which is causing the government significant infrastructural losses,” Duale said.
The government has long struggled with the challenge of cleaning the river, but progress has been limited. According to Duale, some successes were achieved in cleaning sections of the river, particularly between Globe Roundabout and Grogon at Michuki Park. However, he stressed that these efforts have not been sufficient to address the growing pollution problem. “Mark my words, the river will be different in another 18 months,” Duale added, promising significant improvements in the near future.
In addition to the state parastatals, Duale also pointed to other industries and businesses around the Nairobi River contributing to the pollution. Investigations have revealed that several slaughterhouses, including Kiamaiko Abattoir in Eastlands, are discharging waste into the river, further exacerbating the environmental degradation.
The Nairobi River Regeneration Program Committee, which supports the government’s efforts, has backed these findings. A recent survey released by the committee revealed that many of these companies knowingly release harmful effluents into the river, worsening the pollution levels.
