Case 4 - Nairobi Rivers, Kenya
Organisation
UN-Habitat
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Theme
Urban Waterways Regeneration and Climate Adaptation
The Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme addresses the severe environmental degradation and climate vulnerabilities affecting the Nairobi River basin, which includes the Nairobi River, Mathare River, Ngong River, and their tributaries. Over half of Nairobi’s population lives near these rivers, spanning both low- and middle-income communities. The basin also supports informal economies, small businesses, and more than 200 industries, which, whilst vital for the city’s economic development, contribute significantly to pollution and increased ecological pressures.
Once a crucial freshwater source for Nairobi’s ecosystems and residents, the basin now faces extensive pollution, loss of biodiversity, and riverbank erosion — driven by rapid urbanisation, the expansion of unplanned settlements, and inadequate infrastructure. Heavy pollution from industrial and domestic waste, coupled with widespread encroachment by commercial and residential developments, has created serious health and safety risks for nearby communities. Furthermore, intensified and unpredictable rainfall — projected to increase by 13–25% by the end of the century — has led to frequent and severe flooding, particularly affecting low-income informal settlements along the rivers. These floods cause extensive damage to infrastructure, widespread displacements, health hazards, and loss of lives and property.
In response, the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme aims to restore water quality and ecological health by promoting sustainable waste management practices and reducing pollution. It also seeks to enhance community engagement in river conservation efforts, encourage sustainable and integrated urban planning, and protect key ecological areas such as riparian zones from further encroachment. The programme places strong emphasis on creating green job opportunities to support improved and decent livelihoods, fostering social inclusion through the development of safe and accessible green public spaces along the rivers, and strengthening partnerships between government, the private sector, NGOs, and local communities.
Participants in the programme will contribute to developing practical solutions for river regeneration, raising awareness and advocacy for sustainable river management, improving policy recommendations, and building capacity through knowledge exchange with local stakeholders.
Case provider
UN-Habitat
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system.
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