Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo has announced the construction of a 27-kilometre trunk sewer line in Nairobi as part of the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Programme aimed at improving sanitation and reducing pollution along the river corridor.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The project, targeting areas including Lucky Summer and Baba Dogo in Ruaraka Constituency, is expected to significantly upgrade Nairobi’s ageing sewerage infrastructure as the city continues to face rapid urban growth, population pressure and overstretched drainage systems.

For years, Nairobi has struggled with sewer blockages, overflowing waste, illegal wastewater discharge and ageing infrastructure that has failed to keep up with the city’s expanding population.

The situation has also contributed to pollution of the Nairobi River, with sections of the river heavily affected by untreated waste from households, industries and informal settlements.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the government, the new 27KM sewer network will act as an interceptor system designed to divert wastewater away from the Nairobi River and nearby residential areas before it reaches the river ecosystem.

In several estates, residents have repeatedly complained about raw sewage flowing into residential areas, foul smells, poor drainage, and contamination of rivers during heavy rains.

Officials say the upgraded sewerage system will have the capacity to treat up to 60 million litres of wastewater per day, helping curb pollution, improve sanitation and protect the Nairobi River from further environmental degradation.

Concerns over sewer safety were further heightened following a tragic incident reported on June 30 in the Riruta Satellite area in Dagoretti, where three men reportedly died while attempting to unblock a sewer line along Kabiria Road.

The incident reignited concerns among residents over exposed and poorly secured manholes, with locals warning that open sewer infrastructure continues to pose serious risks to pedestrians and children, especially at night.

According to the government, the new 27KM sewer network will act as an interceptor system designed to divert wastewater away from the Nairobi River and nearby residential areas before it reaches the river ecosystem.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke