By Contributor

NAIROBI- The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Aden Duale, has informed the National Assembly that industries, factories, and illegal dump sites along the Nairobi river are the main contributors to the river’s pollution.

Appearing before the National Assembly, CS Duale responded to questions from Ruaraka MP,  T.J. Kajwang’ on the continued contamination of the Nairobi River despite multiple interventions over the years.

In his response, CS Duale highlighted the long-standing challenges posed by illegal effluent discharge, poor waste management, and the encroachment on riparian lands.

“The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has already mapped out 145 facilities discharging waste into the river, 101 of which have compliance issues,” CS Duale revealed. “We have issued restoration orders, and all non-compliant facilities must now treat their wastewater according to national standards or face closure,” CS Duale said.

Appeared before the National Assembly Plenary to respond to questions raised by legislators concerning Kenya's strategy for restoration and its response to the escalating global climate change crisis.

During the plenary session, Question Time, I informed the house that the… pic.twitter.com/3aUx2R8Thw

— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) October 2, 2024

The Environment CS informed lawmakers that NEMA, under his leadership, had been given strict instructions to ensure full compliance with environmental laws.

He also underscored the efforts being made through the President’s Climate Resilience Service Programme (Climate WorX), which was launched recently in Nairobi.

CS Duale noted that 20,000 youth had already been engaged in the first phase, with plans to expand the initiative to other major cities. “The restoration of the Nairobi River and other urban rivers is a top priority of this government, and we are committed to ensuring clean, safe, and healthy ecosystems for all,” he stated.

Speaking on increase of illegal dump sites, Hon. Kajwang asked, “Can you clarify whether illegal dumping and dump sites, including the infamous Dandora dump site located along the Nairobi River, are contributing to the Nairobi River pollution and what measures are in place to remove illegal dump sites and dumping along rivers including management of waste in urban areas.”

The Environment CS acknowledged that illegal waste disposal was a major issue but assured the House that NEMA was working closely with the Nairobi County Government to shut down these sites.

“I wish to note that waste collection, dumping and management is a devolved function and the Ministry, though NEMA works closely with County Governments to ensure sustainable waste management,” he remarked.

CS Duale further listed several illegal dump sites that have been closed, including Sunken Car Park. Globe Roundabout, Taveta lane, Ngenda among others in Starehe Sub County, one along the Airbase fence in Kamukunji Sub-County and Colnet waste collection site along Rabai.