Margaret Wanjiru, chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, has given notice of her intention to resign from the position, effective August 31. In a letter to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Wanjiru issued a 30-day notice, stating that she is ready to move on and focus on other engagements. The former Starehe MP described her 20 months at the commission as an important learning experience, thanking Koskei for giving her the opportunity to serve.
Wanjiru's departure will come as the government continues to pursue the Nairobi rivers restoration and regeneration agenda, with the commission playing a role in coordinating efforts to rehabilitate the city's waterways. President William Ruto appointed Wanjiru chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission through a Gazette Notice dated October 25,2024. The appointment followed the transfer of the commission from the Office of the President to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Wanjiru took over the position following the removal of Pamela Olet, who had previously served as chairperson. Her resignation will trigger the process of appointing a new chairperson as the government seeks to maintain continuity in the commission's work. Wanjiru's request for her successor to be appointed before her departure is intended to facilitate an orderly transition and handover. She has also requested Koskei to convey her gratitude to President William Ruto for entrusting her with the leadership of the commission.
The nature of the work Wanjiru intends to pursue after leaving the commission remains unclear. She did not immediately respond to calls and messages seeking further comment on her decision to resign. As the government moves forward with the Nairobi rivers restoration agenda, the appointment of a new chairperson will be crucial in maintaining momentum and ensuring the commission's work continues uninterrupted.
Wanjiru's resignation marks the end of her tenure at the commission, during which she oversaw efforts to rehabilitate Nairobi's waterways. The commission's work is critical to the city's environmental and economic development, and the government will need to ensure a smooth transition to maintain progress. With Wanjiru's departure, the government will need to identify a suitable replacement to lead the commission and continue its work in restoring and regenerating the city's rivers.
