Community Engagement & Walk along Ngong River
The involvement of local and international partners significantly enriched the conversations, with prominent figures such as the Deputy PermRep to UN, Dr Martin Röw and UN Habitat's Oumar Sylla contributing valuable insights. Dr. Pamela Olet, Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, also made substantial contributions.
An informative walk along one of the Ngong Rivers provided firsthand insight into the precarious state of the Nairobi Dam and its tributaries. The event concluded with the identification of crucial solutions, particularly highlighting the necessity for collaborative partnerships and mobilization of resources.
Acknowledging the intricate nature of the project, involving various agencies, there was unanimous agreement on the indispensability of collective efforts that surpass the capabilities of any singular organization.
The event achieved the following:
1. 263 community members participated and sensitized.
2. 400 meters of the river was covered during the walk.
#LetTheRiversFlow
Today, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet, along with Commissioners Dr. Duncan Ojwang and Grace Messoppir, embarked on an extensive tour of Nairobi Dam and its key tributaries to address the escalating waste pollution crisis. Joined by the Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (SMEDI), CEO of ETCO - Collince Onyango, community leaders, and representatives from the Ngong River Regeneration Network, the team assessed the severe impact of waste along critical points, including Area 51 - Sarang'ombe Bridge, Soweto West Bridge, Kibera South Hospital Bridge, and Nairobi Dam itself.
ETCO's continued children feeding program remains a beacon of hope for the community, providing nutritious meals to those in need every Saturday. Today, we served Githeri, a traditional Kenyan dish made from a delightful combination of maize and beans. This nutritious meal is not only enjoyed by the children but also by the youth and elderly who participate in our program. The smiles on their faces as they savor the food remind us of the impact we are making in their lives.
Another learning experience to engage with the community in Mathare and the River Line communities. Event filled with events and transfer of knowledge and information.