Urban wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in Kenya. This is due to their direct conversion into built up areas (either planned or unplanned). This has led to acute pollution related problems including uncontrolled domestic and industrial discharges; and irresponsible dumping of commercial, municipal and institutional wastes. There have also been drainage concerns; direct biodiversity habitat loss; overexploitation of wetland plant and animal species; and increased prevalence of invasive alien species.

To address these challenges, the RCE Greater Nairobi, led by the World Student Community for Sustainable Development (WSCSD-Kenya) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is implementing a youth-led River Monitoring and Restoration program being piloted within the Nairobi River Basin before roll-out to the entire country.  

The Adopt a River Initiative is a youth-led, multi-stakeholder wetlands monitoring and restoration project that entails adoption of a nearby river by university, college and high school student groups, community youth groups and other interested institutions. These groups are then empowered to monitor the pollution levels of adopted river sections over time using Mini Stream Assessment Scoring System (miniSASS), identify sources of pollution and take local action to restore and conserve them.