Nairobi River
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nairobi River is a river flowing through the Kenyan capital Nairobi. It is the main river of the Nairobi river basin, a complex of several parallel streams flowing eastwards (map). All of them join east of Nairobi and meet the Athi River, eventually flowing to the Indian ocean. These rivers are mostly narrow and highly polluted. The main stream, Nairobi River, bounds the northern city centre. The river is partly canalized.
Nairobi River has several tributaries, including (in descending order from north to south):
- Ruiru River
- Kamiti River
- Rui Ruaka
- Karura River
- Gitathuru River (aka Getathuru)
- Mathare River
- Nairobi River (the main channel)
- Kirichwa
- Motoine-Ngong River
Motoine River flows to the Nairobi Dam, an artificial lake meant to provide drinkable water for residents of Nairobi. Further onwards the stream continues as Ngong River.
Nairobi's rivers suffer from contaminations by agriculture, slums and industrial areas. Some river banks are also infamous for insecurity. These rivers divide the city due to lack of proper crossings.
During rainy seasons the discharge tends to multiply, causing floods on low-lying riverbanks.
