President William Ruto has appointed Nelson Marwa Sospeter as the new chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, revoking the appointment of Bishop Margaret Wanjiru as the government intensifies efforts to restore Nairobi’s polluted rivers.
The appointment was announced in Gazette Notice No. 16248 dated Friday, October 16, 2026, giving Marwa a three-year term effective from the same date.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 131 of the Constitution, as read with Section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I appoint Nelson Marwa to be the Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, for a period of three years,” the notice stated.
The notice also formally revoked Wanjiru’s appointment, ending her tenure as the commission’s chairperson.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission has welcomed Marwa’s appointment, describing him as an experienced public administrator with a background in government coordination and security management.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, the commission said his appointment comes at a critical stage in the implementation of the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme.
“The Nairobi Rivers Commission welcomes Mr Nelson Marwa Sospeter, EBS, following his appointment as Chairperson by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto for a three-year term, effective 16th October 2026,” the commission said.
It added that it looked forward to advancing its mandate under Marwa’s leadership as it coordinates efforts to restore and regenerate Nairobi’s river system.
Marwa previously served as Principal Secretary for Devolution and Coast Regional Commissioner, positions that involved public administration and coordination of government operations.
Wanjiru, the presiding bishop of Jesus Is Alive Ministries and a prominent Nairobi political figure, was appointed chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission in October 2024.
In August 2026, she reportedly submitted a 30-day resignation notice to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, citing other commitments.
Her departure comes as she pursues her political ambitions after leaving the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to establish her own political outfit, Kenya Moja.
Wanjiru declared her bid for the Nairobi governorship in September 2026, setting the stage for her entry into the county’s political contest.
Marwa assumes leadership as the government continues implementing the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme, a multi-agency initiative targeting pollution, encroachment and inadequate wastewater management.
The programme covers the Nairobi, Ngong and Mathare rivers, among other waterways, and brings together national government agencies, county administrations and development partners.
Its objectives include improving water quality, rehabilitating riverbanks, strengthening sewer infrastructure and reclaiming riparian reserves.
However, the restoration effort faces significant challenges, including untreated sewage, industrial waste, indiscriminate rubbish disposal and developments along riverbanks.
The commission is targeting January 2027 to complete ongoing rehabilitation works, although progress has been affected by land disputes, court cases and the relocation of traders operating along river corridors.
Other ongoing interventions include sewer-line works, riverbank rehabilitation, market development and infrastructure projects intended to support the regeneration programme while addressing the needs of communities operating near the waterways.
Marwa’s appointment comes as the government seeks to accelerate the restoration exercise and address longstanding environmental challenges affecting Nairobi’s river system.
