The Journey of an Informal Settlement in Kenya: Mathare Area River Adoption Group
By Jane Wambui
In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, lies Mathare valley, one of Nairobi’ second largest informal settlements. Life here is a daily struggle, with residents facing myriad challenges, from inadequate housing with limited access to basic services. Amidst these adversities, a remarkable group has emerged, focusing on the adaptation and management of the river systems that wind through their community. The Mathare 4B River Adoption Group has brought hope, especially to its youth, who initiated the group's activities.
The group was formed as a result of community engagement during settlement profiling and visioning exercises, where residents discussed how they would like to see their community in the next five years. The data collected highlighted several challenges affecting residents in Mathare 4B, one of the most significant being poor waste management, not only in Mathare 4B but across the entire Mathare area. In response, the group developed a well-structured plan to address these issues by offering voluntary door-to-door waste collection, raising awareness about proper waste disposal, and cleaning Mathare River. To prevent littering, the group also placed waste bins along the river to keep it clean, ultimately helping to reduce illnesses and improve living conditions.
“As a result of community engagement during settlement profiling and visioning supported by SDI Kenya and Muungano Wa Wanavijiji, our group developed a plan to address the waste management challenges in Mathare 4B. By offering voluntary door-to-door waste collection, raising awareness, and placing waste bins along Mathare River, we aim to reduce illnesses and improve living conditions,” says Babra Derick, a member of the River Adoption Group.
Kevin, a key member of the group, provides important insights into the group's practices that contribute to its success. He states, "Mpangilio ndio njia ya mafanikio—our plans are the way to success." He explains how the group started in May 2022, developing a comprehensive plan that involved community members and securing the necessary tools. The plan included waste management, starting with segregation at the household level. He says, “Through mentorship and support from Muungano wa Wanavijiji, the group learned to map community structures and enumerate households. This was crucial for managing garbage collection, understanding the number of households they would be working with, and ensuring cooperation while collecting data.” They achieved this through regular meetings and community advocacy, with door-to-door awareness campaigns educating residents on climate resilience and environmental conservation..
The group's primary focus is waste management, which includes weekly waste collection and river cleaning. They also engage in community advocacy through the Special Planning Area (SPA) method, educating residents and mapping households to track waste collection and identify areas affected by calamities such as fires or floods. Additionally, the group organises monthly clean-up events where volunteers from both within and outside the community come together to remove debris from the rivers and surrounding areas. These events not only help in cleaning the environment but also foster a strong sense of community. These activities support their slogan: “Taka taka isitupwe mtoni, tuzingatie mazingira Garbage should not be thrown into the river, let's consider the environment.”
The community has gained recognition for the positive changes brought by the group. Improved waste management and river rehabilitation have enhanced health and hygiene, reducing waterborne diseases. Mapping has significantly assisted the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) track disease outbreaks and reach the most vulnerable in the community. Moreover, the group's efforts have led to increased community engagement, with more residents actively participating in maintaining a cleaner and safer environment. “Umoja ni nguvu yetu - unity is our strength” is the guiding principle for both the group and the residents of Mathare.
Muungano wa Wanavijiji has played a crucial role in helping the group gain recognition from government officials and the broader community. "Muungano, nguvu yetu—union, our strength" gives the group a sense of belonging and a voice to champion its vision. As part of Muungano, they have benefited from learning exchanges, funding that supported their climate initiative, and mentorship from the senior federation. This support has been instrumental in sustaining the group's momentum and expanding their reach.
The group has savings and clear rules and objectives, with regular contributions from members, transparent record-keeping, and a committee to oversee operations. This structure has helped ensure the sustainability of the group. Kevin explains more about the importance of savings, saying, "We started saving to build our group and to build each member." Through these savings, the group hopes to grow their livelihood, achieve financial resilience, and support their environmental initiatives. The group aims to invest in community projects to improve the environment and quality of life. Learning from different groups has also helped members gain financial literacy.
The journey of the Mathare 4B River Adoption Group demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives in transforming urban informal settlements. Through the proactive efforts of its members, supported by the guidance and resources from Muungano wa Wanavijiji, Mathare is witnessing a positive shift towards sustainable environmental management. The group's dedication to river restoration, waste management, and community education has not only improved the local environment but also enhanced a sense of ownership among residents. Their future plans include further empowering the community and ensuring the long-term success of their environmental initiatives.