Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s Continued Support to the Nairobi Rivers Restoration

The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) was established in February 2023 by His Excellency President William Ruto to spearhead the revival of the Nairobi River Basin and restore Nairobi’s iconic status as the “Green City in the Sun.” A key early mandate of the Commission has been the reclamation of riparian land that had been unlawfully occupied or degraded.

Strategic Collaborations in River Restoration

Dedan Kimathi Foundation remains committed to supporting this vision, working in partnership with key stakeholders such as the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), Climate Worx Initiative, National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Forest Service, and the Kenya Defence Forces. These partnerships bolster the wider restoration efforts envisioned by the NRC.

Tree Planting and Biodiversity Conservation

As part of NGAO’s weekly tree planting initiative targeting 30% national tree cover by 2032, the Foundation contributed 2,000 assorted tree seedlings and actively participated in a planting exercise along Ngong River in Kayole North on Friday, 11th July 2025. To further enrich the riverine ecosystem, indigenous seedballs—courtesy of Seedballs Kenya—were scattered to promote biodiversity and natural regeneration.

Monitoring and Sustaining Green Gains

We commend the relentless efforts by Climate Worx Initiative, NGAO, and NYS, whose supervision has been crucial in nurturing the trees. A monitoring exercise conducted on 13th June 2025 at the same site showed a remarkable 95% survival rate for seedlings planted a month earlier—an outcome credited to vigilant youth involvement and community-driven stewardship.

Towards a Greener Future

Thanks to these coordinated actions, formerly degraded sections of Nairobi’s rivers are now steadily transforming into green, vibrant corridors. These environmental gains align with Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s mission of driving meaningful societal change and affirm the power of collaborative, sustained action in building a greener, healthier Kenya.