OBN Cyber Media: June, 29, 2026
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on residents to actively participate in the restoration and protection of the Kebena Riverside area, describing the initiative as a long-term effort to preserve Addis Ababa’s environmental heritage, strengthen community ownership, and create a more livable urban environment.
Speaking about the ongoing Kebena Riverside development project, the Prime Minister said the revitalization is intended to restore one of the Addis Ababa’s historically and environmentally significant areas while transforming it into an attractive public space for residents and visitors.
The premiere noted that Kebena has long been known for its rivers, natural landscapes, and cultural significance but has remained largely neglected and underappreciated. He stressed that recognizing and preserving such natural assets is essential to strengthening the city’s identity and ensuring sustainable urban development.
Three Principles for Urban Renewal
The Prime Minister outlined three guiding principles for the Kebena revitalization, describing them as Place, Pattern, and People.
He explained that successful urban development begins with understanding and appreciating the character of a place, followed by designing functional and accessible urban spaces, and ultimately ensuring that local communities become active participants in maintaining and protecting their surroundings.
The Prime Minister stated that these principles are intended to create public spaces that are environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and beneficial for future generations.
Environmental Restoration Underway
The Prime Minister highlighted the environmental improvements already undertaken along the Kebena River corridor. He said thousands of trees and fruit-bearing plants have been introduced to restore the ecosystem, while recreational areas for children and families have been developed. Measures have also been taken to improve habitats for birds and other wildlife by ensuring access to water and food sources.
The restoration stretches approximately 10 kilometers from the slopes of Mount Entoto through the Kebena corridor, covering areas behind the Italian Embassy and surrounding neighborhoods that have undergone extensive environmental rehabilitation.
Abiy emphasized that protecting nature requires long-term commitment, warning that environmental degradation carries serious ecological consequences. He noted that meaningful restoration may take many years and requires sustained planning and investment.
Community Participation Essential
While acknowledging the progress achieved, the Prime Minister said challenges remain, particularly in waste management, environmental maintenance, and public participation.
He urged residents to take greater responsibility for keeping the restored areas clean and protecting the newly developed public spaces. He also acknowledged skepticism expressed by some regarding the feasibility of the project but said lasting transformation can only be achieved through collective effort and perseverance.
“The restoration of Kebena cannot be accomplished by government institutions or experts alone,” he said, calling on citizens to work together in safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Vision for Future Generations
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy described Kebena as a symbol of Ethiopia’s environmental and cultural identity, saying the project represents more than physical infrastructure development. He said the initiative aims to reconnect communities with nature, transform neglected spaces into vibrant public areas, and leave a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.
The Prime Minister called on residents to embrace the restoration effort with a sense of shared responsibility, expressing confidence that sustained public participation would help turn Kebena into a model of ecological restoration, urban renewal, and community pride in Addis Ababa.
