This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, the legacy of late Environment Minister John Michuki was remembered for his determination to clean up Nairobi River.
His successor, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko, owes a debt of gratitude to Michuki for laying the foundation in his dream to transform Nairobi's rivers into beautiful natural parks for residents to enjoy.
However, the reality on the ground is far from Michuki's vision. Nairobi and Ngong rivers have been turned into nothing but sewer channels, carrying all manner of waste and pollution.
The city's riparian areas have not been spared the endemic land grabbing and irregular allocations, with recent campaigns to rid the areas of illegal constructions confirming the extent of the problem.
The city county deserves credit for standing its ground and knocking down some high-rise contraptions that had sprung up.
For the benefit of Nairobi residents and posterity, the best Mr. Tobiko can do is to ensure that the reclaimed land is used to put up public utility facilities.
Nairobi, like other cities endowed with rivers, has an opportunity to integrate its rivers into planning for beauty and public use.
Environment Minister Keriako Tobiko has taken a commendable step by telling off a firm that is reportedly claiming the Michuki Memorial Park on the city's riparian area.
This park is not just a public recreation area but also a biodiversity zone, home to crocodiles, birds, and monkeys, and an ecologically sensitive area that must be preserved.
