Soil dumping along Ngong River puts 2,000 learners at risk

By Sammy Kimatu

More than 2,000 learners at St Michael’s and St Bakhita Primary Schools in Mukuru face potential danger following the dumping of tonnes of soil along the banks of Ngong River, raising concerns over their safety as the rainy season approaches.

The dumping, allegedly carried out by unknown individuals, has reportedly altered the river’s natural course, pushing water towards the two schools and increasing fears that heavy rains could trigger flooding.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pupils, teachers and other members of the school community, particularly if the anticipated heavy rains cause the river to overflow.

According to night guards who witnessed the incident, a lorry with concealed number plates arrived at the site during the night and offloaded soil near Likoni Enterprise Junction, close to the Express Bridge.

One of the guards said five men were involved in the operation, making three separate trips to dump soil along the riverbank.

“I saw a lorry whose number plates were concealed bring the soil, and five men hurriedly offloaded it in three trips,” the guard said.

The operation reportedly took place under the cover of darkness, raising questions about the identity of those behind the dumping and their intentions.

The two affected schools are co-sponsored by Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC), an institution run by the Sisters of Mercy, Kenya Chapter.

An MPC official expressed concern over the continued dumping and its potential consequences for thousands of children attending the schools, particularly with forecasts warning of heavy rainfall associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Appeals for government intervention

The official said MPC had repeatedly written to the Ministry of Education, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Nairobi City County Government, seeking urgent intervention over the deteriorating situation.

However, the organisation claims that despite its numerous appeals, no meaningful action has been taken to address the concerns.

MPC fears that the accumulation of soil along the riverbank could interfere with the natural flow of water, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

Soil heaped at the banks of Ngong River near Express Kenya, in South B, Starehe Sub County in Nairobi by unknown people at night./SAMMY KIMATU

The organisation has warned that the schools’ proximity to the river exposes learners and staff to potential danger, with flooding threatening to disrupt learning, damage infrastructure and endanger lives.

Parents and guardians are also concerned about the safety of their children, particularly if rising water levels force the institutions to suspend normal learning activities.

MPC is now calling on relevant government agencies to urgently visit the site, investigate the circumstances surrounding the dumping and take appropriate measures to protect the schools.

The organisation wants authorities to establish whether the dumping has obstructed or diverted the river’s natural course and determine the necessary remedial measures before the rains intensify.

The incident has also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations governing river riparian reserves, with concerns that unchecked activities along waterways could expose neighbouring communities and public institutions to avoidable risks.

Soil heaped next to water pipe (right) near Express Kenya and along Ngong River in South B, Nairobi County. Photo/ Sammy Kimatu

Residents and other stakeholders are awaiting intervention from the relevant authorities to establish responsibility and provide a lasting solution.

With more than 2,000 learners potentially exposed to danger, the affected schools and their sponsor are urging the government to treat the matter as urgent rather than wait for flooding to occur before taking action.

The safety of pupils, teachers and the surrounding community remains a major concern as the country prepares for the anticipated rains.