Margaret Wanjiru, chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), has formally notified the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, of her decision to resign from her position. She will step down on August 31, 2026, after serving 20 months in the role.
In her resignation letter, Wanjiru expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the commission, describing her tenure as a valuable learning experience. She requested that a successor be appointed promptly to ensure a smooth transition.
Wanjiru also asked that her appreciation be conveyed to President William Ruto for entrusting her with the chairmanship. The nature of her future engagements remains undisclosed, as she has not responded to requests for comment.
Background
- Wanjiru was appointed NRC chairperson by President Ruto via a Gazette Notice on October 25, 2024, following the transfer of the commission from the Office of the President to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
- The commission was established in December 2022 to rehabilitate Nairobi’s rivers and enhance the city’s environment across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties.
- Its mandate includes pollution control and ecological restoration, coordinated through a Joint Multi-Agency Coordination Centre and divided into 18 monitoring zones.
- The commission comprises 12 commissioners and a secretariat of 36 officers drawn from various government bodies and Nairobi City County.
- Wanjiru’s tenure saw challenges, including a publicised dispute with the commission’s CEO, Brigadier (Rtd) Joseph Muracia, over allegations of misconduct, which was later resolved.
Wanjiru’s resignation marks a significant leadership change as the NRC continues efforts to reclaim Nairobi’s rivers and improve urban environmental quality.
