In a bold move to address both environmental degradation and youth unemployment in Kenya, President William Ruto has announced a new initiative to employ 20,000 young people in the restoration of the Nairobi River. The program aims to clean up the heavily polluted river that runs through the capital, Nairobi, while providing meaningful employment opportunities for the city’s youth.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, President Ruto emphasized the importance of environmental conservation as part of Kenya’s broader economic development strategy. “We are committed to restoring our environment and creating jobs for our young people. This initiative will help us achieve both objectives simultaneously,” Ruto stated. The Nairobi River Restoration Program will involve extensive cleaning, dredging, and rehabilitation efforts along the river’s banks, as well as community engagement to promote sustainable practices.
The project is part of the government’s larger environmental agenda, which includes afforestation programs and water conservation efforts across the country. By targeting urban youth for these jobs, the administration hopes to tackle the high rates of unemployment and crime in Nairobi, particularly in informal settlements. The initiative has received widespread support from local communities, environmental activists, and development partners, who see it as a step in the right direction for sustainable urban development.
