President William Ruto has appointed Samuel Muchina Nyaga as a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC).
Muchina, who recently contested the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, replaces Amos Chege Mugo, whose appointment has been revoked.
The appointment, confirmed in a special Gazette Notice seen by Vantage Ke on Tuesday, July 22, comes just days after the July 16 by-election in which Muchina was decisively defeated by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau.
"IT IS notified for the general information of the public that, pursuant to Gazette Notice No. 13907 of 2024, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint—SAMUEL MUCHINA NYAGA to be a Member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, with effect from the 22nd July, 2026," the notice stated.
It further added: "The appointment of Amos Chege Mugo is revoked."
In his new role, Muchina will help coordinate multi-agency efforts to reclaim, rehabilitate and restore the Nairobi River Basin, with the broader goal of turning the capital's rivers into sustainable green-blue infrastructure.
His responsibilities will include providing strategic direction for restoration programmes, coordinating collaboration among national and county governments, the private sector and civil society, and ensuring a unified approach to rehabilitating the river basin.
He will also oversee compliance with environmental regulations affecting the basin, help develop enforceable codes of conduct, promote public awareness and participation, and facilitate dialogue on riparian land use.
Additionally, Muchina will play a role in mobilising resources, developing innovative financing models and establishing a dedicated Trust Fund to support long-term river restoration projects beyond the initial rehabilitation phase.
Earlier on July 22, following a visit to State House, Muchina disclosed that President Ruto had directed him to ensure development projects launched during the campaign period continue despite the election outcome.
According to Muchina, ongoing projects include 36 electrification initiatives across the constituency, construction of houses for vulnerable families, and completion of boreholes in every ward.
He also said work will continue on the university project, the upgrade of JM Hospital to Level 5 status, as well as the construction of a stadium and roads.
Nyaga said he had accepted the responsibility, stressing that the projects transcend politics and are intended to secure a better future for residents.
