NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi was known as the “Green City in the Sun” and was considered a healthy place to live.
The city was delighted to have three rivers flowing through it: the Ngong’ River, the Mathare River, and the Nairobi River.
It also blended natural woods with savanna grasslands. The city’s marshy wetlands and forest cover were home to various species.
However, today, this is not the same case since Nairobi’s growth has damaged the natural ecosystem.
Urban sprawl, the construction of buildings and other municipal infrastructure, and inadequate environmental conservation have all contributed to the loss of forest cover and green spaces.
The city home to the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) faces a significant problem in planning for sustainable urban development that provides adequate public services and protects the environment.
But all is not lost. The government has implemented several initiatives to establish Nairobi as one of the top green cities in the world.
What is the Kenyan government doing to restore Nairobi’s forest cover
For instance, the Ngong’ Hill Forest Restoration Project and the Green Belt Movement, which sought to restore Karura and Ngong’ Hills Forest, respectively, were two of the earliest efforts to remedy the loss of forest cover.
Furthermore, the government launched the “Adopt a Tree initiative,” which encourages students to adopt and maintain a tree.
At the same time, they are enrolled in school, boosting the tree’s survival and expanding the forest cover.
Regarding environmental conservation, the restoration of the Nairobi Arboretum and the Michuki Memorial Conservation Park, which involved extensively clearing out illicit dumpsites and planting native and exotic trees, has brightened the city’s green areas.
Flattening riparian zones and building a pathway along the river to demarcate the boundaries of riparian land also included removing unlawful constructions.
The government has also taken the initiative to preserve the environment by planting flowers on the motorway.
The ongoing renovations to Central Park and Uhuru Park, which include redesigning green areas and installing flower beds and plant nurseries, will also significantly aid in restoring the green city.
How the “Kazi Mtaani” initiative was set to give Nairobi a new facelift
In response to the problem of inadequate upkeep and disregard, the government initiated the “Kazi Mtaani” initiative, which sought to involve young people in environmental conservation efforts.
The youth participate in the program by cleaning the streets, picking up trash in marketplaces, watering tree nurseries, and receiving flowers throughout the city.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mamo Boru, who recently visited one of the pollution points in City Park, said several pollution points compromise ongoing efforts to spruce up the Nairobi River.
“We want to ensure that this (pollution) is stopped once and for all. As Nema, we will not allow this to happen. Environmental inspectors will go round to audit the sites along the Nairobi River to ensure we do not have discharge,” Mamo said.
To address the rapidly growing population, Nairobi City’s slums are being upgraded by the government through the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP), which is working with UN-Habitat.
Some goals are the management of solid and environmental waste, the garbage collection and treatment system, and the cleansing of the Ngong River.
Through the Affordable Housing Program, the government has made progress in providing citizens with reasonably priced homes.
Why the World Bank assisted the Nairobi Sanitation Project
Furthermore, the World Bank assisted the Nairobi Sanitation Project, which linked the city’s citizens to the sewer system and improved their access to water sources.
In addition, some Nairobi-based businesses have started using electric cars on public transport to reduce carbon emissions, which contaminate the environment.
Nairobi is creating Konza Technopolis, an innovative city initiative that prioritises clean tech innovation and sustainable urban design with an eye towards the future.
This innovative project seeks to establish a centre for sustainability and technology, attract eco-aware companies, and encourage green inventions.
If all these factors are considered to restore Nairobi to a “Green City in the Sun,” then the Kenyan capital is set to join other African cities like Cape Town, Kigali, Lagos, and Addis Ababa, which are changing fast.
