Nelson Marwa, a veteran Kenyan administrator, public servant and former Principal Secretary, was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission by President William Samoei Ruto for a three-year term effective 16 October 2026, under Gazette Notice No. 16248. His appointment revoked that of Bishop Margaret Wanjiru and places an experienced public administrator at the helm of the national initiative to restore, clean and sustainably manage the Nairobi River Basin ecosystem. 

Marwa brings decades of experience in public administration, regional coordination and executive leadership. He previously served as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution and the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where he was appointed in January 2018 during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. Before his appointment, he served as Coast Regional Coordinator, where he gained national prominence for his firm approach to security matters, decisive leadership, and hands-on governance across the coastal counties. 

His administrative career also includes service as Mombasa County Commissioner and as a District Commissioner in various parts of Kenya. These roles gave him extensive experience in field operations, law enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement. This background is relevant to the Nairobi River Basin rehabilitation initiative, which requires coordinated public-sector action and effective oversight to address environmental degradation and improve the management of the capital’s waterways. 

Marwa holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, alongside postgraduate qualifications. His experience in senior government administration, security coordination, and public-sector oversight provides a foundation for leading the Nairobi Rivers Commission as it pursues the restoration and sustainable management of the river basin.