President William Ruto has appointed Nelson Marwa as the new chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission for a three-year term, signalling a leadership change at the agency tasked with supporting efforts to rehabilitate and restore Nairobi’s river ecosystems.
The appointment, published in the Kenya Gazette Notice No. 16248 dated October 16, 2026, takes effect from the same date and revokes the appointment of former chairperson Margaret Wanjiru.
The notice states that President Ruto exercised his powers under Article 131 of the Constitution, read together with Section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, to make the appointment.
Marwa now assumes the responsibility of steering the commission’s work at a time when the restoration of Nairobi’s rivers remains an important environmental and urban development concern, particularly amid challenges associated with pollution, waste disposal and the degradation of riverbanks.
His appointment places him at the centre of efforts to promote a cleaner urban environment and strengthen the management of waterways that are vital to Nairobi’s ecological health and the wellbeing of residents.
Nyamita congratulates Marwa
Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita has welcomed Marwa’s appointment, describing the new role as an opportunity for the incoming chairperson to turn public responsibility into meaningful change.
In a congratulatory message, Nyamita said leadership required individuals to step forward when called upon and use their positions to make a positive difference.
“Your appointment as Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission presents an opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, greener Nairobi and make a lasting difference in the lives of its residents,” Nyamita posted in his social pages.
The MP also wished Marwa wisdom, strength and success as he takes up the new responsibility, expressing confidence in the opportunity the appointment presents for environmental improvement.
Nyamita’s message adds to the public attention surrounding the leadership transition, with the commission’s work expected to remain significant in conversations about environmental protection, urban sanitation and the future of Nairobi’s waterways.
The task ahead
Nairobi’s rivers face persistent environmental pressures arising from urban expansion, inadequate waste management, untreated wastewater and the encroachment of human activities into riparian areas.
These challenges affect water quality, aquatic ecosystems and the communities living and working along the waterways.Restoring the rivers requires more than periodic clean-up exercises.
It calls for sustained coordination among national and county government agencies, environmental regulators, local communities, businesses and other stakeholders to address the sources of pollution and protect river corridors.
Public awareness, enforcement of environmental regulations, improved sanitation infrastructure and responsible waste disposal are also essential to achieving lasting results.
As he begins his three-year tenure, Marwa will be expected to provide leadership capable of supporting coordinated action and strengthening public engagement around river rehabilitation.
The effectiveness of the commission’s work will ultimately be measured by tangible environmental improvements and the benefits delivered to Nairobi residents.
The leadership change therefore comes with an opportunity to renew attention to the long-term protection of the capital’s river systems and the need to balance urban development with environmental sustainability.
Marwa’s appointment took effect on October 16, 2026, according to the Gazette notice signed by President Ruto.
The notice formally confirms the end of Wanjiru’s tenure and the beginning of a new three-year term under the incoming chairperson.
About The Author
