John Kioli Kalua, a commissioner of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, has died after suffering a sudden asthma attack while carrying out personal business in Nairobi's central business district. According to his brother, Isaac Kalua Green, Kioli had lived with asthma for several years but had kept the condition under control. On the day of the incident, Kioli woke up feeling comfortable and was going about his usual activities when he developed an asthma attack.
People near Kioli responded quickly by trying to find an inhaler and help him as they waited for medical assistance. Despite their efforts, medical personnel who reached the scene later pronounced him dead. His brother, Isaac Kalua Green, stated that Kioli had called for help, and the people nearby tried to salvage him by getting him an inhaler, but by the time they returned, he was gone.
Kioli's death comes soon after his appointment to the Nairobi Rivers Commission by President William Ruto. The commission is responsible for supporting efforts to restore and protect the capital's rivers and riparian areas. Kioli joined the commission with more than 24 years of experience in climate change, environmental and energy policy, holding a Master's degree in Climate Change and Sustainability.
Before joining the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Kioli held several positions in the environmental sector, including serving as executive director of the Green Africa Foundation and chairing the Kenya Climate Change Working Group. Through the ACCESS Coalition, he worked on programs focused on climate justice and renewable energy policies in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa.
Kioli was also a member of Kenya's National Climate Change Council, where he contributed to the development and implementation of the National Climate Change Act of 2016 and the National Climate Change Action Plans. His environmental policy work extended to county governments, contributing to the Kitui County Charcoal Management Act of 2014, the Kajiado Climate Change Act, and the Narok County Environment Act.
Kioli was involved in the preparation of more than 10 other policy and legislative documents and was the author of several publications, including "A Review of Energy Access in Kenya" and "Impacts of Climate Change on Energy Security." His experience in climate policy, environmental governance, and renewable energy was expected to support the Nairobi Rivers Commission as it pursued its mandate.
The commission continues with its work on restoring and protecting the city's river system, and Kioli's family has appealed to Kenyans to pray with them as preparations for his final rites continue. The Nairobi Rivers Commission is working on issues affecting Nairobi's waterways, including pollution, encroachment, and environmental degradation.
Key points
- John Kioli Kalua, Nairobi Rivers Commissioner, dies after sudden asthma attack.
- Kioli had over 24 years of experience in climate change, environmental and energy policy.
- The Nairobi Rivers Commission continues its work on restoring and protecting the city's river system.
