Kenyan President William Ruto joined executives from the Chinese firm Energy China on Monday to launch a landmark ecological restoration initiative aimed at revitalizing the Nairobi River Basin. The project, described as a "critical step toward urban sustainability," seeks to address decades of environmental degradation in the river that flows through Kenya’s capital.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships during the groundbreaking ceremony, stating the collaboration reflects "shared aspirations for green development." Energy China, a global leader in infrastructure and environmental projects, will leverage its technical expertise to rehabilitate the river's ecosystems while promoting sustainable urban planning.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader climate resilience goals and underscores growing economic cooperation between African nations and Asian partners. Analysts note such projects highlight China’s expanding role in supporting eco-friendly infrastructure across emerging markets.
Environmental advocates and local officials expressed optimism that the restoration could improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and create green spaces for Nairobi’s 4.7 million residents. The project is expected to take five years to complete.
