Nairobi, June 8 -- Kenya's 2010 Constitution firmly anchored matters environment in the fifth chapter. This elevated them above policy and law, and should inform the management of riparian reserves countrywide. Ongoing efforts by the Nairobi City County Government to inspect and clean up rivers, and others around the country, should be accordingly guided.

Unfortunately, the laws and regulations on the measurement and management of riparian reserves have remained divergent. It's reason why the current government initiative to harmonise them is commendable.

Through the Ministry of Lands led initiative, the government invited written and oral comments through a public notice issued in April. The submissions closed in late May. It's expecte...