We reject the narrative that blames the most marginalized communities  in Nairobi, especially those living in informal settlements, for the pollution of the Nairobi River. This narrative not only shifts attention away  from  the  need  for the government to provide equal  access  to  a  clean  environment  under  Article 42 of the constitution to the search for scapegoats in communities neglected by the heritage of Nairobi’s racialized colonial past.

Sadly, instead of prioritizing equitable access to essential services, the government continues reinforcing the deeply rooted inequalities that persist in our society. People in informal settlements, particularly women, children, and other marginalized groups, are denied access to proper waste  management, clean water, and sanitation due to the government’s  continuous  neglect  and failure to invest in these communities.

The idea that these communities are  pollution-free  because  they  “eat everything” minimizes the struggles of daily survival and fails to recognize the resilience, resourcefulness, and innovation of people navigating systemic oppression. Communities in informal settlements are forced to rely on a system that treats their needs as invisible, all while industries and  affluent neighbourhoods continue to contribute heavily to environmental degradation without accountability.

Let us be clear: pollution is not a product of poverty. It is a product of policy choices that serve the wealthy and the powerful while ignoring those who suffer the most. The Nairobi River is polluted because the state has prioritized profit over people, capital over community, and industries over individuals.

As WCK, we stand with those impacted by this environmental injustice. We call for a radical restructuring of Nairobi’s ecological policies to centre marginalized communities, demand sustainable waste management infrastructure, and ensure that all Kenyans—especially those systematically excluded—have access to clean, safe environments. Our rivers, like our rights and lives, are not disposable.

We call upon CS Duale to publicly retract his statement and  offer  a  sincere apology to the communities he misrepresented at COP 19 in Baku, Azerbaijan. His remarks diminish the dignity and resilience of informal settlers disproportionately impacted by environmental neglect. An apology would demonstrate accountability  and  a  commitment  to  truthfully  addressing Nairobi’s ecological crisis, starting by respecting the lived realities of those most affected. We demand that our leaders speak with care and prioritize action that reflects the needs of all Kenyans, especially those bearing the most significant burdens of systemic failures.

Statement by:

Women Collective Kenya 13th November 2024