River restoration projects aim to address issues arising from river degradation. Through selecting two river restoration cases in Nairobi, the purpose of this research was to examine the public participation and social learning needs and outcomes of such undertakings. Following a qualitative approach, data were gathered through document reviews, river walks, 35 semi-structured interviews and a workshop. Data from both cases showed strong public support for restoration due to expected ecological and scenic improvements. Findings also revealed public participation process strengths, such as the inclusion of community groups and communication of project information. Cognitive enhancement including increased knowledge on recycling, waste management and the benefit of river restoration. However, opportunities for individual and group learning outcomes in the Nairobi River Basin Rehabilitation and Restoration Program were limited, mostly due to the poor quality of consultations undertaken, lack of access to information and limited public involvement in planning.