Urgent Appeal: Recent Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Nairobi

**Urgent Appeal: Recent Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Nairobi**
The torrential rains that lashed Nairobi overnight have left a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. Riverine communities have borne the brunt of the chaos, with some areas reporting tragic loss of life.
While the Ngong River has spared lives, it has mercilessly swept away homes and inundated households with garbage from upstream. The wanton disposal of solid waste in inappropriate locations continues to exacerbate the situation, with much of it finding its way into the Nairobi Dam.
We urgently appeal to all those able and willing to assist, be it through technical expertise or financial aid, to join hands in preventing future calamities like these. It is imperative that we act swiftly to avert further loss of lives and property due to the relentless fury of the rain.
⚠️ **Urgent Update: Heavy rains continue to threaten the safety of communities along the Nairobi River. 🌊 Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Stay informed, avoid flooded zones, and be prepared to evacuate if required. Let's stand together, prioritize safety, and safeguard our communities." Dr. Pamela Olet, Chairperson Nairobi Rivers Commission #NairobiRiver #CommunitySafety #StayInformed #Lettheriversflow"
Tragically, the recent downpours have claimed at least four lives in Nairobi. Among the victims is a brave police officer who lost his life while rescuing stranded families in the Kamukunji area. Despite efforts, his body has yet to be recovered.
The officer, stationed at Kamukunji police station, had responded to a distress call to save a family trapped in a flooded house.

International Women's Day 2025
Today, ETCO, in collaboration with the Kibera Gender Advocacy Network (KGAN) partners, hosted a vibrant International Women's Day celebration at Canaan Estate Community Hall. The event brought together over 410 participants, highlighting the importance of gender equality, women's empowerment, and community solidarity. The day began with a powerful procession from AMREF in Laini Saba - Kibra to Canaan Estate, symbolizing unity and the ongoing fight for women's rights.

Early Lunch at ETCO
Diving deeper into the year with our children feeding program, yesterday's session at ETCO was filled with warmth, laughter, and nourishment. With the dedicated efforts of our team and the new interns, we ensured that over 350 children, along with elderly and youth members of the community, received a well-prepared meal. The presence of the interns brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, giving us hope for expanded children’s activities and engagement. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that no child in our community goes hungry, and that every Saturday is a moment of joy and connection.

Sports: Final Whistles Tournament - Day 1
Yesterday, ETCO and partners proudly hosted the Final Whistle tournament under the theme Sports for Sobriety, under the Sports Department headed by Andrew Ayuma AKA: Mnyakuzi. This event, scheduled from January 19th to February 23rd, 2025, is ongoing and aims to promote healthy lifestyles and positive choices among male youth through the power of sports. The tournament will bring together 14 teams to compete every Sunday at the Undugu Ground, creating an engaging and supportive environment for participants to channel their energy and talents constructively. By using football as a platform, ETCO seeks to address societal challenges such as substance abuse while fostering teamwork, discipline, and community engagement.