The Nairobi Rivers of Hope: How Climate Worx Has Restored Flow of Beauty

As the years passed, what was once an oasis of life became overwhelmed by pollution and unchecked development. The Nairobi rivers, struggling under the weight of garbage and industrial waste, often swelled with floodwaters during the rainy season, destroying homes and posing serious health risks to communities. The vibrant life that once teemed in and around the rivers seemed like a distant memory.

At only 42 years old, the memory of the beauty in Nairobi rivers is still fresh for Ochieng, a reminder of a time when Nairobi’s rivers were once places of joy, tranquility, and life.

But for Ochieng, this story—like that of many others—took a dark turn as the rivers of Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong became polluted and neglected.

“When we were growing up, my dad and mum used to take my siblings and I to Dandora Waterfall for family picnics almost every end-of-month weekend,” Ochieng quips nostalgically.

However, change was coming—slowly, but surely. Today, the rivers are breathing a sigh of relief, as is the entire city of Nairobi. Thanks to Climate Worx, a government-led initiative dedicated to river restoration and climate action, the once-sick rivers are returning to their former glory. The initiative is not just about cleaning water; it is about restoring hope, creating opportunities, and building a sustainable future.

The ambitious restoration project, which began in October the previous year, spans 47 kilometers across the riparian zones of Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong Rivers, touching all 11 sub-counties of Nairobi. The work has been both monumental and transformative. From garbage collection to unclogging waterways, repairing sewer lines, sorting debris, and leveling grounds for landscaping, the project has been working tirelessly to undo decades of neglect.

So far, the results are nothing short of impressive. Over 82 kilometers of garbage have been collected, while 84 kilometers of river channels have been cleared of debris and waste. The sewage systems have seen significant improvements, with 45 kilometers of sewer lines cleared and 155 sewer lines repaired. Even the drainage systems, which once overflowed with every rain, have been cleared across 66 kilometers, reducing flooding and waterlogging in flood-prone areas.

And the best part? The cleanup isn’t just about the rivers. Climate Worx is transforming the entire landscape. Bushes along the rivers have been cleared, illegal structures have been demolished, and slabs obstructing the waterways have been removed, creating space for environmental restoration and future development. Through this work, the once-stagnant, garbage-clogged rivers are now flowing freely once again, teeming with renewed life.

21,493 employed via Climate Worx

But the transformation isn’t just environmental; it’s social too. The program has been a game-changer for thousands of unemployed youth. Across Nairobi, approximately 21,493 young people—many of whom had been trapped in cycles of crime, drugs, and hopelessness—have found a new path forward. Through meaningful work, they are now contributing to the restoration of their community while earning an income and reclaiming their dignity.

Sammy Kyenzeku, a youth from Starehe constituency, shares how Climate Worx has transformed not only his life but the entire community around him.

“The income we earn from the Climate Worx project has been a lifeline, helping us pay our bills and support our families,” he says with gratitude.

The sense of purpose is palpable in his voice as he speaks about how the project has reduced pollution and improved the overall cleanliness of the rivers and the surrounding areas.

The project has not only empowered youth but also raised environmental awareness among the community. In areas like Mukuru Kwa Reuben, Starehe (Mariguini area), and Korogocho, residents are now more conscious about waste disposal, and the idea of protecting the environment has become part of everyday life. What was once a neglected area, where garbage flowed freely into the rivers, is now cleaner, greener, and healthier.

Irene Kerubo, a youth from Dagoretti, also shares her gratitude. “Before Climate Worx, many of us were struggling to find work. But now, I have a source of income and am actively contributing to environmental conservation,” she says.

Though she appreciates the work done so far, Kerubo calls for better resources and equipment for the project, as the demand for tools is high, and more youth could be involved if the resources were expanded.

The youth aren’t the only ones benefiting from this change. The wider community is beginning to see the positive effects of the river restoration. Crime rates have dropped significantly in areas like Dagoretti, Starehe, and South B, where many young people, once idle or involved in criminal activities, are now gainfully employed.

Kevin Kipkurui, a National Youth Service Officer overseeing Climate Worx in Dagoretti, notes, “The crime rate has decreased, and many young people now have a sense of purpose. It’s not just about cleaning the environment—it’s about building a better future for themselves and their families.”

Local leaders, too, are witnessing the impact. Nyumba Kumi elder Bibie Wangeci Ramadhan urges the government to keep Climate Worx going, recognizing its power to reduce crime and empower youth. “The youth are engaged in meaningful work that benefits the entire community,” she says.

Even local government officials are seeing the ripple effect. Paul Mulinge, the Azina location chief in South B division, Starehe constituency, shares, “This project has boosted the presidential initiative of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. The youth are doing a good job in curbing the effects of climate change.”

As the river restoration continues, the impact on both the environment and the people is undeniable. The rivers are now cleaner, the air fresher, and the surrounding neighborhoods safer and more livable. Children, once confined to unsafe spaces due to flooding, are now playing freely near the riverbanks, their laughter filling the air.

The Climate Worx initiative proves that environmental conservation and youth empowerment are not just complementary—they are inseparable. As Nairobi’s rivers heal and the city’s youth find their place in this transformation, hope for a brighter, more sustainable future grows stronger with each passing day.

In the end, the rivers aren’t just flowing with water—they are flowing with opportunity, renewal, and life, both for the environment and the people who call Nairobi home.

Read: How Climate Worx Will Create Jobs for Kenyan Youth

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