Site Visit, Meetings, Sensitization and Clean Up - Ngong River
The event aimed to foster partnerships and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a safe and clean environment. Through a focus on clean rivers and the benefits of both natural and man-made resources, the event highlighted the necessity of environmental stewardship.
Speakers delivered inspiring messages, emphasizing the urgent need for action to clean up the environment. They underscored the importance of addressing the damage caused by improperly managed solid waste, particularly in Kibera Slums and the surrounding rivers that may cause loss of lives and properties downstreams. One standout message was the call to "Let The Rivers Flow," reflecting the collective commitment to restoring and preserving the natural beauty of our waterways.
The event achieved the following: 1. 87 participants took part in the clean up & 210 community members sensitized. 2. 150 meters of the river were cleaned. 3. 3.2 tonnes of wet waste. 4. Leaders from various groups within Zone 2 were present. #LetTheRiversFlow
Yesterday, ETCO represented by Raphael Oduor - Environmental Director, had the privilege of attending a tree planting and growth event organized by the Karen Forte Foundation at Olympic High School, which was honored by the presence of Chief Environment Officer Nairobi County H.E. Hon. Geoffrey Mosiria. During the event, several important environmental issues were thoroughly discussed. Students, landlords, and the wider community were urged to take the lead in combating climate change by maintaining a clean environment and planting trees in their local areas.
Today, ETCO had the privilege of attending a capacity-building workshop organized by UN-Habitat, ICLEI Africa, and KDI, as part of the 3EP project—Emphasising Ecosystem, Elevating People. The workshop focused on the application of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), and participatory planning methods, particularly for river regeneration in Nairobi.
Yesterday, ETCO (www.etco-kenya.org) being part of the Ngong River Regeneration Network - Zone 2 held a significant march along the Ngong Rivers, covering areas in Kibera and Lang'ata Constituency within the Slums. The event was attended by 92 groups and organizations that form the network, along with other interested partners and individuals, including around 70 children, whose participation added a colorful and hopeful aspect to the event. Overall, the march attracted at least 362 participants, all united in spreading the key message of the day: the community’s crucial role in the regeneration of the rivers. The primary goal of the walk was to sensitize community members about the government’s ongoing plans to regenerate the Ngong Rivers. However, the event also served to remind the community that the government must actively involve them in the planning processes, especially when it comes to the evacuation efforts, and ensure that due procedures, including proper facilitation, are followed. The event highlighted the importance of community engagement in environmental initiatives, reinforcing the idea that sustainable development requires collaborative efforts between the government and the local people. Commissioner Eva from the Nairobi Rivers Commission, who attended the event, addressed the participants, explaining the government’s approach to regenerating the rivers, especially in Kibera Slums. She underscored the necessity of the recent evacuations along Nairobi and Mathare Rivers, noting that they were mandated by an executive order aimed at protecting lives during the destructive El Niño season.