Millicent Omanga
President William Ruto announced significant appointments within his administration, designating Bishop Margaret Wanjiru as the new Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission and bringing Millicent Omanga into a key role within the commission, on October 26, 2024.
This restructuring, outlined in Gazette Notice No. 13907, marks a pivotal shift in the commission’s oversight, as it transitions from the Office of the Deputy President to the Housing Department within the Ministry of Lands.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission, established in 2022, is tasked with addressing the pressing issue of environmental degradation across Nairobi’s river basins.
With a renewed mandate, the commission aims to restore, protect, and rehabilitate the city’s rivers, which are essential for urban infrastructure and ecological balance.
The commission’s objectives include reclaiming the rivers as vital blue-green corridors and developing a comprehensive Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme (NABREP) to tackle current and future environmental challenges.
Bishop Wanjiru’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage her leadership skills in guiding the commission’s multifaceted initiatives.
In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Our rivers are not just bodies of water; they are lifelines for our communities. Together, we will restore them to their former glory.”
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru
Millicent Omanga, also appointed to the commission, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to play a crucial role in mobilizing community engagement and support for the commission’s objectives.
The commission will also comprise experts from various sectors, including Dr. Mumo Musuva, Grace Senewa Mesopirr, and other key stakeholders, enhancing its capacity to address environmental concerns effectively.
The funding for the commission will derive from allocations by the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government, supplemented by donations aimed at supporting the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme.
Members will serve a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal based on performance.
This shake-up in leadership reflects President Ruto’s ongoing commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development as critical components of his administration’s agenda.
By Nairobileo