NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 2 – Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waitutu is among nine members who have been appointed by President William Ruto to the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
Other members of the Commission include
Pamela A. Olet (Dr.) Chairperson;
Mumo Musuva (Dr.) Representative from Nairobi City County; Grace Senewa Mesopirr (Ms.) — Representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry; Eva Muhia (Ms.) – Representing Riverine Communities; Elizabeth Wathuti (Ms.) – Representing Civil Society; Carlota Dal Lago (Ms.) – Representing the Private Sector; Eng. Elijah Biama (Prof) – Representing Academia; Duncan Ojwang (Dr.) – Representing Academia; and Ferdinand Clifford N. W. Babayao (Hon.).
The Nairobi Rivers Commission has been tasked with coming up with initiatives for the protection, restoration, rehabilitation and beautification of Nairobi Rivers and all water bodies within the Nairobi City County.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Constitution and the Laws of the Republic of Kenya do establish the Nairobi Rivers Commission,” reads the gazette notice.
The Commission is to examine previous reports and recommendations made in the efforts of reclaiming Nairobi River and adopt lessons learnt in the new initiative.
They are to monitor compliance with the laws and regulations governing the environment of the Basin and its catchment areas in collaboration with the departments, agencies and/or ministries of the County Government of Nairobi and the National Government and propose institutional and regulatory modifications where necessary.
Their other role would be to spearhead resource mobilization for the development and management of the Nairobi Rivers.
In addition, the team would also be required to promote public awareness on sustainable protection of the Nairobi Rivers basin and enhance public participation in its restoration and report to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on a quarterly basis.
President Ruto also directed the Commission to establish a Secretariat, which shall assist in the day-to-day management of its affairs.
