NRC Leads High-Level Workshop to Draft Nairobi Rivers Commission Trust Deed
The Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) convened a week-long technical workshop at the Dairy Training Institute (DTI) in Naivasha from 8th to 14th March 2026 to develop the Nairobi Rivers Commission Trust Deed, a critical governance framework intended to support the sustainable financing and management of river regeneration initiatives.
The workshop brought together experts and representatives from the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF), the State Law Office, the National Treasury, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, and the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC). The engagement provided a collaborative platform to define the legal, financial, and governance structures that will guide the establishment and operation of the Nairobi Rivers Commission Trust Fund.
The Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme is a flagship government initiative aimed at restoring the ecological integrity of Nairobi’s rivers while improving livelihoods and strengthening urban resilience. As the programme expands, the need for a sustainable financing mechanism has become increasingly important.
The proposed Nairobi Rivers Commission Trust Fund will serve as a structured financial vehicle to mobilize, manage, and disburse resources for river restoration, environmental protection, and community-based initiatives along riparian corridors.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer Brig. (Rtd.) Joseph Muracia emphasized the importance of creating a robust institutional and legal framework that will enable the long-term sustainability of the regeneration efforts.
Similarly, the Water Sector Trust Fund Chief Executive Officer Mr. Willis Ombai highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in strengthening water and environmental programmes across the country.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in technical presentations, group discussions, and drafting sessions focused on the various components of the Trust Deed. These included:
The rationale for establishing the Nairobi Rivers Commission Trust Fund
The legal framework guiding trust funds in Kenya
Financial management structures, including banking, investments, and asset management
Audit and reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency
Procurement and compliance frameworks
Beneficiary eligibility and project selection criteria
Risk management and internal controls
Governance structures, including the composition, powers, and appointment of trustees
Legal experts from the State Law Office, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, SCAC, Water Sector Trust Fund as well as The National Treasury provided technical guidance to ensure the draft Trust Deed aligns with existing laws and regulations.
Participants also examined key governance principles such as conflict of interest policies, ethical standards, dispute resolution mechanisms, and legal compliance requirements. These discussions are intended to ensure that the Trust Fund operates with the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Group sessions allowed participants to collaboratively draft critical clauses covering financial management, governance, trustee responsibilities, and operational procedures.
On the final day of the workshop, participants reviewed the consolidated draft Trust Deed through a clause-by-clause process, enabling legal experts and technical teams to identify any outstanding issues and refine the document.
The session concluded with the development of an action plan and timelines to guide the next steps toward the finalization and operationalization of the Trust Fund.
Once operationalized, the Nairobi Rivers Commission Trust Fund is expected to strengthen the financial sustainability of the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme by supporting environmental restoration projects, community initiatives, and infrastructure improvements along river corridors.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of transforming Nairobi’s rivers into clean, vibrant urban ecosystems that support livelihoods, recreation, and sustainable urban development.