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.
Dirty Hands, clean environment
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.
Workshop focused on application of Nature-Based Solutions
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.
Community Sensitization and March
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.
🌳 Community Walk/March Invitation 🌳
Dear Community Members of Kibera, Lang'ata Constituency, and its neighbors, The Ngong Rivers Regeneration Network - Zone 2 warmly invites you to join us for a walk/march tomorrow from Kibra 42 area to Highrise - Seafar Area. The event will start at 8:00 a.m., with meet-up time at 7:30 a.m., and will conclude at 12:00 noon. Our goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of maintaining a clean environment and the importance of living in a safe, healthy space. We encourage everyone to participate, share ideas, and engage in discussions on preserving our riparian areas and supporting initiatives that help the government and community mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. (Each group is expected to come with at least 20 people) Let’s come together, walk for our environment, and inspire others to take action. Join us, and don’t forget to spread the word! See you there!