The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a warning regarding potential disruptions from the Ksh40 billion Nairobi Rivers Basin rehabilitation project, a flagship initiative of President William Ruto. While aiming to tackle flooding and expand sewage treatment, NEMA foresees issues including traffic disruption, air pollution, and flooding if the project is not meticulously managed.

• The project, set for completion by 2027, includes river dredging, widening riverbanks, and expanding sewage treatment capacity by an additional 60,000m³ per day at Kariobangi and upgrading the Kirichwa West treatment system.
• NEMA’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notice, published on a Monday, September 9, highlights concerns about soil erosion, downstream siltation, air quality problems from dust and emissions, and noise pollution.
• A significant concern is the potential eviction of residents along the riverbanks due to a proposed riparian land boundary of 30 metres on either side, affecting neighborhoods such as Kariobangi North, Dandora, Baba Dogo, Mathare, Kileleshwa, Riverside, and Kilimani.
• NEMA has invited public comments on the project (reference number NEMA/EIA/5/2/2345) within 30 days before granting approval.