Over 40,000 youth to benefit in Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project

By Daisy Okiring

The government is set to recruit over 40,000 youths in Nairobi for the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, a national initiative aimed at cleaning the city’s rivers, improving sanitation, and enhancing urban infrastructure.

The program, part of the Climate WorX initiative, also seeks to create employment opportunities and boost economic development.

Currently, 22,000 youths are already engaged in the project following its launch by President William Ruto on Monday. An additional 18,000 will be hired starting next month to accelerate the implementation of key activities such as solid waste collection, sewer line construction, and social housing development.

During a tour of Dagoretti South, Dagoretti North, and Westlands constituencies on Wednesday, President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged young people to enroll in the two-year project, emphasizing its role in job creation and national development.

“We are expanding employment opportunities for young people and women to ensure financial stability while driving economic growth. Currently, 22,000 youths are engaged in the Climate WorX program, and we are increasing this number by 18,000,” President Ruto said.

The Deputy President highlighted the government’s commitment to job creation through various initiatives, including affordable housing, Kazi Kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni (online jobs), and Kazi Majuu (international employment programs).

President inspected major projects

As part of his three-day tour of Nairobi, the President inspected major development projects, including the construction of new markets, road expansions, healthcare facilities, and ICT training centers. Some of the key projects include:

Mutuini Fresh Produce Modern Market and Riruta Modern Market, designed to support small traders.
Expansion of Dagoretti Sub-County Hospital to improve healthcare services.
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Laboratory at PC Kinyanjui Technical and Training Institute.
The Dagoretti Jitume Centre of Excellence (ICT Hub) to equip young people with digital skills.
New classroom blocks at Kawangware Primary, Gatina Primary, and Kangemi Junior School to support education.
The Kangemi Bridge-James Gichuru Junction-Rironi Highway, aimed at easing traffic congestion.

Addressing residents in Kawangware, Riruta, Congo, Stage 2, Stage 56, and Kangemi Centre, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national unity and development, calling for an end to divisive politics.

“We must unite as a country to focus on development. Our priority is to improve infrastructure, enhance agricultural productivity, expand access to electricity, and strengthen the economy,” he stated.

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Deputy President Kindiki emphasized that peace and stability are key to economic progress, urging all citizens to work together for the country’s future.

“A strong and prosperous nation requires unity and inclusivity. We must put aside divisions and discrimination to move Kenya forward,” he said.

The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project is part of the government’s broader efforts to integrate employment with urban development, positioning Nairobi as a clean, sustainable, and investment-friendly city.