Kiambu County is grappling with a deepening environmental crisis as pollution chokes its once-pristine rivers, threatening vital water sources that sustain more than two million residents. Rampant dumping of household waste, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff has turned major rivers such as Nairobi, Ruiru, Kamiti, Gatamaiyu, Thiririka, and Karura into murky, foul-smelling streams. Residents have sounded the alarm over rising cases of waterborne diseases, linking them to the contaminated waterways.
Ruiru resident Grace Wanjiru recalls a time when the local river was clean enough for household use, but says unchecked pollution has rendered it unsafe. We used to fetch water straight from the river, but now it’s dark and stinks. Plastics and industrial waste are everywhere, and our children are falling sick, she lamented. Experts attribute the worsening state to unregulated waste disposal and riparian farming, where crops are planted dangerously close to riverbanks, allowing pesticides and fertilizers to wash into the rivers. Informal settlements along the waterways have also led to raw sewage and solid waste being discharged directly into the streams.
Environmental scientist Dr. James Kamau from the University of Nairobi has warned that continued neglect could have catastrophic effects on both public health and ecosystems. He noted that Kiambu’s rivers serve as crucial water catchment areas for Nairobi and its surroundings. By polluting these rivers, we are endangering our own health. The presence of heavy metals and harmful bacteria in the water can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and even cancer, he cautioned.
In response, Kiambu County Environment Executive Sarah Nduta announced a comprehensive restoration plan, including the establishment of 30-meter buffer zones along major rivers and the relocation of illegal structures. The county also intends to conduct monthly clean-up drives, set up waste collection points, and work with local chiefs and community groups to enforce environmental laws. While the initiative has been welcomed, experts insist that long-term success depends on offering alternative livelihoods for riparian farmers and improving waste management infrastructure. Without addressing these root causes, they warn, enforcement alone may not be enough to revive Kiambu’s dying rivers.