The private sector has identified specific areas as entry points into the NRBP-Phase III framework. Private sector participation for NRBP started in earnest with the launching of the Nairobi Dam Trust Initiative in March 2004, an event which attracted high-level political leadership – Kenya’s Vice President.  UN agencies were represented at the level of the executive directors of UNEP and UN-Habitat, and UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative.  Thirty-five (35) companies based in Nairobi (both local and multi-nationals) have since committed themselves to the achievement of the NRBP-Phase III process at different levels with a combination of cash and in-kind contributions for Results 2, 3, 4 and 5.  As Nairobi Dam is an integral part of the Nairobi River Basin ecosystem, the participation of the Government of Kenya at this high level during the launch signalled the requisite political support and endorsement of the proposed interventions for the restoration of the Nairobi River Basin ecosystem.

The private sector has committed to engage in:
» Water quality monitoring
» Waste (solid and liquid) management
» Catchment rehabilitation
» Creation of public awareness
» Rehabilitation and restoration of Nairobi Dam

An Action Plan is currently being formulated by the private sector to address these priority areas of intervention into the NRBP-Phase III.  Resources continue to be mobilized to implement the intervention plan, and to-date significant cash contributions have been made into an independent bank account. Several in-kind contributions have also been pledged.  Already, an afforestation programme launched on 28th May, 2005 by the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, during which up to 2,000 tree seedlings were planted as part of catchment rehabilitation demonstrates private sector commitment to work in partnership within the NRBP. The target is 100,000 tree seedlings in the denuded areas by end of 2008, but there is hope this will have ‘ripple effect’ on other private sector players. Tree planting involves directly forest adjacent communities within Nairobi River catchment, in order to provide basis for ownership and stewardship of the process.