Wetang'ula orders fast-tracking of Nairobi river petition

Former Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko (left) led a team from National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in a cleanup exercise of Nairobi River on July 20, 2020. [David Njaaga, Standard]

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has directed the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining to fast-track a petition challenging the Nairobi River restoration project, ordering lawmakers to conclude the matter within the shortest time possible and not the standard 60 days.

The petition, filed by Kangemi residents Joseph Ngure and Mugo Gichenga, raises concern that the Nairobi Rivers Commission's clean-up programme could lead to forced evictions and loss of ancestral land along the riverbank.