By Beatrice Mugure and Kamila Gojobe

A mural at Mukuru Viwandani emphasizing the value of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste

Climate change refers to a significant and long-term change in the climatic patterns of Earth, mainly as a result of human activities. The Earth has undergone rapid change unprecedented in the past two decades due to high levels of concentration of greenhouse gasses resulting from deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and agriculture. The impact of this change has resulted in rising temperatures globally, leading to serious environmental and social effects.

Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi. It is surrounded by industries and is thus known as an industrial area. Due to the nature of industries, communities have had environmental, social and health effects. With the continuous effects the youth, with the spirit of change, united through art came together to share a powerful message to the residents of Mukuru.

The youth living in informal settlements within the city are and have been  at the forefront of advocating for climate change. They have been leading on the implementation and demonstration of best practices in waste management, urban farming, recycling, and advocating through art, like the showcased mural art in Viwandani. They frequently engage the community through educational forums and community walks to create awareness about climate change.

This mural responds to the effects of climate change in Viwandani settlement, an initiative of the Muungano youth from Kibra, Mathare, Mukuru, Huruma and Dagoretti settlements. Through this effort, the youth can express unity and have a space for knowledge sharing.

As the mural  captures the causes and effects of industrial pollution at this location, urging the community to reflect deeply on the issues. Emphasizing ‘Reuse, Reduce, Recycle’, it captures changes the settlement has undergone over the years through the journey of life from a person's childhood to 

Change of the Mural

Before

The lower half is colorful, showing a blooming natural environment. The settlement is more green, with healthy trees and clean water. A happy child sitting beside the river with his dog drinking clean water portrays hope and availability of fresh and safe water.

This picture is of a man reminiscing about his childhood, when nature was green and nice to stay in. He reminisces on how the river close to the man's home was clear and full of living things. It gives a sense of loss, longing for times gone by when nature was plentiful and a colorful place.

In the past, the rivers were a vibrant source  of life. The community used the clean waters for their domestic use, and kids swam in it. This mural shows a sharp contrast with the present, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of how the environmental changes have taken place.

After

In contrast to the world below, full of color and vibrancy, the upper half of the mural shows a polluted and industrialized setting, the current state of the settlement. Now it’s  a dumping ground choked by pollution and neglect. The residents have connected sewers directly to the river, turning it into a toxic waste site that passes through the Mukuru informal settlement. Large factories visibly emit thick, black smoke into the atmosphere. The crystal-clear river is now choked with pollutants.

In the midst of all that desolation, the man is depicting frustration, and he shows the helplessness that one feels in front of such vast pollution. He is thinking of the transformation from pure and clean water to a contaminated environment. Life has changed over time. As showcased by the atmosphere and the environment surrounding the settlement.  

The mural aims to spark a conversation and inspire our community to embrace the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Together, we can reclaim the river’s past glory and ensure it remains a resource for future generations. The art work is a reminder of what it’s lost and a beacon of hope for what we can still have.