In a bold move to elevate Nairobi’s profile, attract investors, and boost economic growth, the national government has launched the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration project, recruiting over 40,000 youths to spearhead the initiative. The project, funded under the Climate WorX program, aims to transform the city by cleaning its rivers, constructing new sewer lines, building affordable housing units, and improving solid waste management systems.
President William Ruto officially launched the project on Monday, with 22,000 youths already deployed to various sites. An additional 18,000 will join the initiative next month, further expanding the program’s reach. This comes on top of thousands of youths already employed in ongoing affordable housing projects across the city.
During a development tour of Dagoretti South, Dagoretti North, and Westlands constituencies on Wednesday, President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized the critical role of youth in the project’s success. The two-year initiative is expected to not only rejuvenate Nairobi’s environment but also provide much-needed employment opportunities for young people and women.
“We are creating job opportunities for our youth and women to ensure they have a source of income while driving our country forward. The Climate WorX program currently employs 22,000 youths and is being expanded to accommodate 18,000 more,” President Ruto stated.
Deputy President Kindiki echoed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating gainful employment through various initiatives. “Our agenda is to create jobs in every possible sector for our young people. Through affordable housing, the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration, and other programs under Kazi Kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni, and Kazi Majuu, we are opening doors for our youth,” he said.
**Development Tour Highlights**
The President’s three-day development tour of Nairobi included several key stops aimed at showcasing the government’s commitment to infrastructure and social development. In Dagoretti South, President Ruto inspected the ongoing construction of the Mutuini Fresh Produce Modern Market and the Riruta Modern Market. He also laid the foundation stone for the Dagoretti Jitume Centre of Excellence, an ICT hub designed to empower youth with digital skills.
In Dagoretti North, the President visited Kawangware Primary Junior Secondary School and Gatina Primary School, where he inspected the construction of new classrooms and tuition blocks. He also opened the Gatina Junior Secondary Tuition Block, underscoring the government’s focus on improving education infrastructure.
In Westlands, President Ruto inaugurated the Kangemi Junior School tuition block and inspected the construction of the Kangemi Bridge-James Gichuru Junction-Rironi Highway, a critical infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area.
**Unity and Development**
Addressing residents at various stops, including Kawangware, Riruta, Congo, and Kangemi, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to unity and development. “We are not interested in the politics of hate, negative ethnicity, or discrimination. My role as President is to bring leaders and Kenyans together to focus on development. This is the only way we can improve agricultural production, build roads, connect more Kenyans to electricity, and grow our economy,” he said.
Deputy President Kindiki emphasized the importance of unity in achieving national development. “We want a patriotic, united country. Development is only possible in a tranquil nation free from discrimination. Let us come together and build a strong, prosperous Kenya,” he urged.
The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration project and the broader development initiatives underscore the government’s determination to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and foster economic growth while promoting unity and inclusivity. As the project gains momentum, it is expected to transform Nairobi into a cleaner, more vibrant city, attracting both local and international investors.
ends
