The Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale claims that the people responsible for polluting the Nairobi Rivers are not from the informal settlements.
Contrary to widespread belief, Duale asserts that the middle class, not residents of informal settlements, bears the main responsibility for the contamination of these vital waterways. Duale argues that middle-class households, with their higher consumption patterns, generate significantly more waste compared to those in informal settlements. He points out that residents of informal areas typically consume all the food they prepare due to limited resources, resulting in minimal waste production. The Cabinet Secretary’s statement directly implicates himself and his colleagues in the assembly as part of the problem.
Supporting Duale’s claims, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has identified 101 entities out of 145 inspected as major contributors to river pollution in Nairobi. These culprits include a range of establishments such as industries, factories, apartments, and abattoirs. Duale emphasizes that NEMA is taking decisive action to enforce environmental laws and regulations, stating that the NEMA chairman “has no choice but to comply with the law and regulations passed by this house.” The government has initiated several measures to address this pressing issue. Duale has announced plans to meet with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers to discuss environmental protection strategies.
He warns that non-compliance could result in business closures. These developments occur against the backdrop of intensified efforts by the Kenyan government to combat environmental degradation. The Climate Worx Mtaani (CWM) initiative, a national program aimed at restoring urban rivers while maintaining public infrastructure and housing, exemplifies this commitment. Launched on October 1st in Nairobi County, the program is set to expand to other major urban centres across the country, with a focus on benefiting youth and women through sustainable public works.
Duale also calls upon legislators to utilize the environmental allocation of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to support tree-planting initiatives. This aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees. The Cabinet Secretary stresses the importance of grassroots support in ensuring the success of these environmental initiatives. Despite these efforts, the challenge of pollution remains formidable. Duale’s remarks highlight the need for a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders, including the private sector, government agencies, and local communities.
