Regenerating the Ngong River: A Journey of Riparian Planning, Renewal and Transformation

The Ngong River, a crucial water source for the semi-arid regions of South-East Kenya and seven counties downstream, joins the Nairobi River and eventually flows into the Athi River. The water quality is, however, severely compromised, rendering it unfit for human consumption or irrigation. This highlights a significant environmental issue affecting the region. The commitment to improving water quality upstream is crucial for downstream communities that rely on this resource. The proposed planning project addresses a 15-kilometer stretch of the Ngong River riparian zone, spanning from Mombasa Road to Likoni Road in Mukuru Kayaba through Enterprise Road to Outer Ring Road in Mukuru Kwa Reuben and Viwandani, and extending to the Kayole-Soweto area, from Jacaranda to Embakasi-Garrison Road.

Flooding and displacement in these areas present an opportunity to reimagine urban riparian zones in a more resilient and sustainable manner. The Ngong River, heavily polluted by waste from informal settlements, contributes to water quality issues for downstream regions relying on the Nairobi and Athi Rivers. Poor sanitation systems in these settlements exacerbate pollution and Kenya’s ongoing water scarcity challenges. Efforts by residents, civil society, and government agencies have aimed at improving sanitation and reducing waste input into the river, thereby enhancing water quality.

The Kenyan government, during the April-May, 2024 flooding in Nairobi, gave an order for demolition of structures within the 30m riparian reserves along the Nairobi rivers.  However, without proper management, reclaimed land risks reoccupation, undermining revitalization efforts. This planning project will explore sustainable solutions, emphasizing community ownership and maintenance of riparian spaces.

The initiative aims to demonstrate how improved sanitation and green infrastructure can transform living conditions in informal settlements while aligning with Nairobi’s vision of creating green, non-motorable riverfronts. This project offers a replicable model for African cities grappling with rapid urbanization. It also seeks to deepen understanding of riparian ecosystems and their role in supporting human settlements. By mobilizing and engaging communities and stakeholders, the initiative ensures active participation in identifying and addressing local challenges. It focuses on developing strategies for riparian regeneration, building community capacity, and fostering ownership of sustainable practices. Furthermore, the project advocates for people-centered, place-based land-use practices and the development of policies that prioritize environmental and social sustainability.

The Ngong river riparian regeneration plan will help link public space and infrastructure hence encouraging social interaction. The infrastructure will help the residents of informal dwellers to improve their mental and physical health. The design will also help mitigate flooding, enhance children safety and better environment, reduce steep slopes, clean up river sides and enable tree planting. The trees will act as carbon sinks and hence help mitigate climate change. Additionally, the rehabilitation of all Nairobi rivers will ensure that the water that flows downstream to the agricultural areas of South-East Kenya, a region often adversely affected by extreme droughts due to climate change, is clean and viable for irrigation and other household uses.

Presenters

Mbũgua, MK. Project Coordinator at The GoDown Arts Center (The GoDown)

Mbũgua is an urbanist with over 10 years of professional experience as a Project Manager in the Built Environment sector. Mbũgua is currently the Coordinator of The GoDown Art Centre's URBAN Division, which was formed to explore the intersection between Culture & Cities, with a focus on generating knowledge through the reflective practice of community empowerment through participatory processes of urban development. The GoDown’s URBAN programmes are currently focused on promoting the development of better public spaces through people-centred approaches and tools, such as placemaking. Mbũgua has worked on a diverse range of projects at various scales, both in Kenya and across the East African region. His experience is driven by a passion for the built environment and is a keen advocate for the role of culture as a driver of sustainable city and nation making, as well as an unequivocal part of the solution to humanity’s present and future challenges! His interests lie in exploring the fragmented natures of our shared African Stories, contributing to the discourse shaping our diverse ‘Urban African Identities’, and engaging with other urbanists who are defining the perspectives on how African cities can and should evolve. 

Maureen Musya. Team Lead Planning, Research and MEAL - Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT)

Maureen leads initiatives in Research, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at AMT, with her major focus on advocacy planning and the implementation of slum upgrading projects. Beyond her MEAL function in AMT, Maureen has contributed to the Mukuru SPA planning, conducted action research on digital and social innovations for food security in informal settlements, and is presently working on the riparian planning of the Ngong River. Her previous experience includes planning the Kedong internal depot, developing plans for new towns in Tana River County. Maureen holds Masters and undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nairobi and is also a graduate member of the Kenya Institute of Planners. 

Chrispine Nyang’wara. Project Lead; Planning, Research and MEAL. Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT)

Nyang’wara is a dedicated Urban Planner with a strong background in Research, Land Use Planning, and Community Development. Passionate about creating livable, inclusive communities, he has a proven track record of working with informal settlers to develop sustainable solutions that accommodate rapid urban growth.

Before joining AMT, Nyang’wara played a pivotal role in transformative planning projects, including socio-economic surveys, local physical and land use development plans, and integrated urban development strategies in Tana River County and Mikinduri Township. His expertise extends to civic space dynamics research in East Africa, further reinforcing his commitment to equitable urban development.

He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and is a graduate member of the Kenya Institute of Planners. With a deep understanding of urban dynamics and a passion for people-centered planning, Nyang’wara continues to shape thriving, resilient cities.

Esther Wanjiku. Research and Advocacy Officer. Women in Real Estate Kenya (WIRE)

Esther is an Urban and Regional Planner with a deep passion for promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development. She has a strong interest in addressing gender issues in urban planning, advocating for cities that are equitable and accessible to all and especially to women and children. With a knack for research, Esther leverages evidence-based approaches to support planning and policymaking that prioritize gender inclusivity.

She currently leads the research department at Women in Real Estate Kenya, where her work focuses on increasing the participation and involvement of women in the built environment while championing gender-responsive urban development initiatives.