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.
A good day for Githeri (Traditional Nutritious Meal)
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.
World Rivers Day 2 - Mathare
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.
World Rivers Day Day 1
ETCO was actively represented at the Ngong River Regeneration Network - Zone 2 during World Rivers Day in Mathare, held at the Mathare Police Depot on Saturday, September 20th, and Sunday, September 21st, 2024. ETCO CEO Collince Onyango and Environmental Director Raphael Oduor engaged with visitors at the Ngong River Community tent, providing detailed explanations about the network's work and its Community Master Plan Roadmap. The Ngong River Regeneration Network is committed to raising awareness and promoting sensitization about rivers and riparian areas.