Kenyan River's Ecological Restoration to Be Led by Chinese Company
A Chinese company is set to take the lead in the ecological restoration of the Nairobi River in Kenya. This initiative aims to address environmental concerns and improve the health of the river ecosystem.
TroibNews 
On Monday, Kenyan President William Ruto officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nairobi River Basin protection and restoration project, which will be carried out by Energy China.
The event was attended by senior government officials, executives from Energy China, and environmental advocates, all focused on revitalizing the ecological health of the Nairobi River as it flows through the capital.
This rehabilitation initiative will coincide with an affordable housing project, anticipated to take four years and incur a cost of 50 billion Kenyan shillings.
Ruto noted that restoring the ecological integrity of the Nairobi River—after years of pollution—will generate new job opportunities for the youth, enhance public health, and promote environmental sustainability in the city.
"This project will give us an opportunity to expand and deepen the Nairobi River while constructing a 60-kilometer sewer line to carry wastewater, making Nairobi a cleaner and more respectable city," he stated.
He further explained that constructing quality homes linked to a modern sewer system along the rehabilitated river basin will aid in resettling flood victims.
The Nairobi River, which begins at the northwestern outskirts of the capital and flows through southeastern neighborhoods, has faced severe pollution and flooding challenges during the rainy seasons.
Earlier this year, the Kenyan government entered into a contract with China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. to initiate the first phase of the project.
Funded by the Kenyan government, the endeavor encompasses building main sewage pipelines and wastewater treatment facilities, protecting upstream water sources, dredging the river, managing stormwater, treating solid waste, landscaping, and developing affordable housing.
Once completed, the project aims to alleviate flooding in the Nairobi River Basin, enhance local living conditions, and transform the urban landscape.
The initiative is also expected to elevate land values in the metropolitan area, stimulate tourism, spur economic growth in Kenya, and deliver substantial social and environmental advantages to local communities.
Lyu Guoqing, managing director of Energy China, remarked that the company would utilize advanced technologies and engage a local workforce to expedite the river's restoration.
Li Cheng, project manager at Energy China, indicated that the rehabilitation effort is projected to span two years, with riparian communities anticipated to experience significant environmental enhancements upon completion.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
The event was attended by senior government officials, executives from Energy China, and environmental advocates, all focused on revitalizing the ecological health of the Nairobi River as it flows through the capital.
This rehabilitation initiative will coincide with an affordable housing project, anticipated to take four years and incur a cost of 50 billion Kenyan shillings.
Ruto noted that restoring the ecological integrity of the Nairobi River—after years of pollution—will generate new job opportunities for the youth, enhance public health, and promote environmental sustainability in the city.
"This project will give us an opportunity to expand and deepen the Nairobi River while constructing a 60-kilometer sewer line to carry wastewater, making Nairobi a cleaner and more respectable city," he stated.
He further explained that constructing quality homes linked to a modern sewer system along the rehabilitated river basin will aid in resettling flood victims.
The Nairobi River, which begins at the northwestern outskirts of the capital and flows through southeastern neighborhoods, has faced severe pollution and flooding challenges during the rainy seasons.
Earlier this year, the Kenyan government entered into a contract with China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. to initiate the first phase of the project.
Funded by the Kenyan government, the endeavor encompasses building main sewage pipelines and wastewater treatment facilities, protecting upstream water sources, dredging the river, managing stormwater, treating solid waste, landscaping, and developing affordable housing.
Once completed, the project aims to alleviate flooding in the Nairobi River Basin, enhance local living conditions, and transform the urban landscape.
The initiative is also expected to elevate land values in the metropolitan area, stimulate tourism, spur economic growth in Kenya, and deliver substantial social and environmental advantages to local communities.
Lyu Guoqing, managing director of Energy China, remarked that the company would utilize advanced technologies and engage a local workforce to expedite the river's restoration.
Li Cheng, project manager at Energy China, indicated that the rehabilitation effort is projected to span two years, with riparian communities anticipated to experience significant environmental enhancements upon completion.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
