President Ruto Vows To Clean Nairobi River To Restore Fish

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to cleaning and restoring the Nairobi River, making a bold promise to launch a new fish market in the area within two weeks.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing Nairobi River clean-up exercise in Dandora on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Head of State articulated a vision that extends beyond mere waste removal. He emphasized a comprehensive plan to breathe new life into the once heavily polluted river, transforming it into a vibrant hub of economic activity. The President underscored his intention to make the river clean enough to sustain aquatic life, particularly fish, as part of a broader strategy to revitalize Nairobi’s environment, boost its economy, and improve residents’ livelihoods.

“Naona mko na mpango. Mimi nimekuja hapa kwa sababu tulikubaliana na nyinyi ya kwamba hii Nairobi River, tanataka tuipangie vizuri. Tuondoe maji taka, tuondoe sewage, tuweke samaki, tutengeneze barabara, tutengeneze penye watoto watachezea, na tuwapangie manyumba na maendeleo. Ahadi ni deni. Nitatengeneza hii maneno, watu wa Nairobi, Mathare, Kamkunji,” Ruto declared, underscoring his dedication to the ambitious project. (I see you have a plan. I came here because we agreed with you that we want to organize this Nairobi River well. We will remove wastewater, remove sewage, put in fish, build roads, create play areas for children, and plan houses and development for you. A promise is a debt. I will fix these things, people of Nairobi, Mathare, Kamkunji.)

He further announced that his administration will construct two new sewer lines. This critical infrastructure is designed to prevent raw sewage, a major source of pollution, from draining directly into the river. “Mbali na kutengeneza river hii, pia tutajenga sewer lines mbili; ile maji ya taka taka haiwezi tena kuingia kwa river, ndo tuhakikishe maji yote ya taka inapitia kwa sewer lines,” he explained. (Apart from restoring this river, we will also build two sewer lines; so that wastewater can no longer enter the river, to ensure all wastewater passes through sewer lines.)

Fish Market by August

In what was the highlight of his speech, President Ruto assured local residents that a dedicated fish market would be operational in the area within a fortnight. “Nimeambiwa mnataka nijenge soko la samaki na mali ingine; nataka niwaambie kuwa, wiki mbili zinakuja, mtakuwa na soko tukiendelea kusafisha Nairobi River,” he announced, setting a clear deadline for the new development. (I have been told you want me to build a fish market and other facilities; I want to tell you that, in the next two weeks, you will have a market as we continue cleaning the Nairobi River.)

This is not the first time the President has made such a promise. In December 2024, during an earlier inspection of the Nairobi River, Ruto had articulated a similar ultimate goal: to restore the river to a state where it could support fish and provide clean water for children. “Tanakikisha kwamba tunaweka usafi kwa mto, tuweke hadi samaki na pia maji safi watoto wetu watumie,” he said at the time. (We will ensure that we clean the river, put in fish, and also have clean water for our children to use.)

As part of the broader Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, the government also plans to construct weir dams to control water levels and establish wetlands to facilitate natural water purification. The ambitious clean-up project extends beyond mere environmental restoration. President Ruto emphasized his administration’s keen focus on urban renewal, creating thousands of jobs, and offering affordable housing solutions to Nairobi’s low-income earners.

“We will also build 50,000 social houses, making sure that our youth get employed while also making the city clean. We will need 30,000 people,” he stated in 2024, outlining the program’s significant employment potential.

The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Program is expected to transform the city by vastly improving the environment, creating thousands of jobs, and providing much-needed affordable housing, fundamentally enhancing the quality of life for its residents.