Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the partnership between ETCO and Victory Farms Kenya, with strong community collaboration at the heart of our success. The day began with an environmental care initiative, where we organized a community cleanup while food preparation was underway. Victory Farms generously donated food items, primarily fish, which were shared as a token of appreciation for cleanup participants and used in our children feeding program. Over 860 children enjoyed hearty meals of fish and ugali, adding a joyful highlight to the day.
Another day for Environmental Champions
We welcome everyone interested in caring for the environment through a clean up. Our partnership with Victory Farms expands beyond just children feeding. We try our best to ensure that even our environment is well taken care of.
16 Days of Activism against GBV Launch
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a significant challenge, particularly for women and children who are often the most vulnerable to abuse in homes and communities. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, ETCO, as part of the Kibera Gender Advocacy Network (KGAN), actively participates in initiatives that promote safety and justice. Recently, ETCO joined the 16 Days of Activism against GBV walk and launch event in Kibera, which concluded at the Guadalupe Catholic Church in Adams. This year’s theme, *Let’s Come Together and Act Now*, served as a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to collaborate in creating a safer environment for women and children, free from violence and fear.
World Toilets Day
On November 19, 2024, the Ngong River Regeneration Network concluded a two-day event designed to assess and promote sanitation and river restoration in Ngong River's upstreams. The event, which began with a walk & talk on November 18 to evaluate the status of local sanitation facilities, culminated in a gathering of key stakeholders. Among the notable attendees were Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa, and the Nairobi Rivers Commission team, led by its new chairperson, Hon. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Their presence, alongside representatives from the County Government, underscored the event’s significance. Various institutions showcased their innovative solutions and long-term strategies at exhibition tables, providing a platform for sharing ideas and fostering collaboration.
Site Visit
Today, we conducted a site visit with Commissioners from the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) to evaluate suitable locations for the upcoming event on November 18-19, 2024. After visiting all the proposed sites, we found that the ground in Highrise, near block H8 and Seefar Apartments, was the most ideal for the event. Further planning and logistical preparations are underway.
Kibera World Toilets Day - Planning Meeting
Today's meeting at the NRC was lengthy but productive. We covered extensive plans for World Toilets Day on November 19, 2024. In attendance were the reappointed commissioners, Eva Muhia and Grace Sennie, along with the newly appointed Commissioner, Hon. Lelei 'Gen Z', and various coordinators from Nairobi’s rivers. We also had the privilege of meeting Hon. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, the new NRC Chairperson, along with other newly appointed commissioners. Brigadier Joseph Muracia, the NRC CEO, took a moment to greet us as we proceeded with our two-day event planning. Guided by Dr. Esther Kimani from the Chairperson's Secretariat from the City County Government, we discussed the events planned for November 18-19, 2024, in detail. The event shall happen in Kibera at Undugu Grounds. Theme: "Toilet: A Place for Peace"
Victory Farms Kenya Supports ETCO.
Yesterday, with support from Victory Farms Kenya, ETCO hosted its largest gathering, engaging over 920 children, 230 elderly, and 125 youth participants. With schools closed, children spend most of their time at home than in school, which significantly increases household food costs. To address this challenge, ETCO reached out to Victory Farms Kenya (Led by Madam Sharon and Christobel) who generously donated a variety of items, including large-sized fish, maize flour, wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, vegetables, sanitary pads, sodas and breads, which allowed ETCO to provide much-needed relief to the community. In addition, Victory Farms covered most of the logistics for the feeding program, lifting a considerable burden from ETCO.
Article about ETCO and the CEO - Collince Onyango
https://unhabitat.org/news/30-oct-2024/empowering-youth-for-change-in-africas-largest-slum
ETCO Children Feeding Program
It's Saturday, and with increased number of children participating in our events and schools closed, we’re thrilled to have visitors joining hands with us in doing what we love most with the kids. Our children feeding program brings everyone together, creating a space where the community comes alive with joy and purpose.
Week 2 of Climate Resilience Service Program
ETCO's engagement in Climate Worx Mtaani reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental restoration and community empowerment. In this interactive program, participants have the chance to both learn and unlearn important practices about environmental care. Week two of our second cleaning cohort has brought together dedicated individuals and volunteers who are not only cleaning but also discovering the deep-rooted connections between local communities and their natural resources. Through hands-on experiences, ETCO is fostering awareness of sustainable practices and the importance of maintaining clean, thriving waterways for the health of our ecosystem.
ETCO PARTICIPATES IN THE 2024 ANNUAL CIRCULAR PACKAGING CONFERENCE
On the first day (October 22, 2024) of the program at Shamba Events in Loresho, Empower The Community (ETCO) took part in the 2024 Annual Circular Packaging Conference, organized by the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) in Nairobi. The event, themed "Advancing Circularity: Innovating for Sustainable Packaging Solutions," emphasized the importance of implementing sustainable practices in the packaging sector. The conference gathered various stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates, to exchange innovative strategies for improving packaging sustainability. Discussions focused on current trends, challenges, and opportunities in circular packaging, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts in reducing waste and promoting responsible resource use.
Climate Change Resilience
ETCO, through its involvement in the Ngong River Regeneration Network - Zone 2, has taken an active role in the Climate Resilience Service Program (CRSP) 'Climate Worx Mtaani' initiative. As part of this ambitious job creation program, ETCO is providing crucial guidance to the various teams, or cohorts, working on river regeneration efforts. These cohorts are focused on restoring the health of the Ngong River, mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. ETCO's leadership has been instrumental in equipping the youths with the necessary equipment, skills and knowledge to ensure the success of the program, as they work together to keep the rivers clean and flowing, creating a lasting impact on the community and the environment.
Nairobi Dam Waste Impact Tour
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.