Nairobi River Cleanup and Dandora Dumpsite Transformation
In a bold declaration, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Aden Duale, has vowed to restore the Nairobi River to its former glory.
Speaking on September 16, 2024, Duale announced a one-year deadline for the river to become a clean and potable source of water.
“The Nairobi River has been turned into a sewer,” Duale stated. “This is unacceptable. We must take decisive action to rectify this environmental crisis. In one year, we must see blue water flowing through the river.”
Duale’s announcement comes as part of a broader government initiative to address Kenya’s environmental challenges.
President William Ruto has also weighed in on the issue, calling for the transformation of the Dandora dumpsite into a source of renewable energy.
“We cannot have a dumpsite covering 80 acres in the heart of Nairobi,” Ruto said. “It is a blight on our city. We should use that land to build affordable housing and generate clean energy.”
The Dandora dumpsite, one of the largest in Africa, has long been a source of concern for environmentalists and public health officials.
The site has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory illnesses and water pollution.
Duale’s announcement has been met with both optimism and skepticism. Some environmentalists have praised the government for taking action on a pressing issue, while others have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the one-year deadline.
Despite the challenges, Duale remains confident in the government’s ability to achieve its goals.
“We have the resources and the determination to clean up the Nairobi River and transform the Dandora dumpsite,” he said. “This is a critical moment for our country, and we must seize the opportunity to create a healthier and more sustainable future.”
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