River Revitalization in Nairobi

Details from the workshop

The work took place at three levels. At the micro level, workshop participants engaged directly with Mukuru residents to integrate community-driven needs and artistic expressions into landscape designs, fostering site-specific and culturally grounded interventions. At the meso level, the focus shifted to neighborhood-scale engagement, where participants collaborated with communities to address future flooding challenges and to propose interventions to enhance the overall quality of the built and natural environment. At the macro level, the partners are contributing to the development of a planning framework for the broader Ngong river basin, synthesizing insights across scales to inform long-term, integrated strategies for riparian management.

Community Action for a Cleaner, Greener, and Peaceful Mukuru kwa Reuben

On 14 November 2025, our recent community-led initiative brought together residents and partner groups for a day dedicated to restoring our environment, promoting peace, and uplifting public spaces within Mukuru kwa Reuben.

The team focused on unblocking the major sewage and drainage lines running from Reuben Center, Hope Center, and Bridge International School toward the river. Clearing these long drainages helps reduce flooding, improve sanitation, and create a healthier living environment for families.

Alongside this, participants carried out an extensive clean-up campaign along the Gonge River in Mukuru kwa Reuben, removing waste and clearing pathways to protect the river ecosystem and improve community safety.

Tree planting activities were held outside Bridge International Primary School, where several trees were planted to create shade and provide a resting area for the community. This effort supports long-term environmental restoration and contributes to cleaner air and cooler public spaces.

A colorful wall mural was also painted on one of the walls opposite Bridge Primary School, promoting messages of peace, unity, and environmental awareness. In addition, children enjoyed face painting and fun activities hosted outside the school, strengthening social bonds and giving young ones a joyful learning experience.

These activities highlight the importance of shared responsibility, peaceful coexistence, and community-driven environmental care.

This paragraph has been authored by: The Community, Nuru Youth CBO, Biupe Innovators, Ubuntu CBO and KDI (Kounkuey Design Initiative).

The collaboration is part of an ongoing process. The RCN and its partners are committed to support the Ngong River Planning Consortium in creating a participatory and forward-thinking urban planning process for Mukuru and Kayaba by integrating artistic innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Through collaboration with artists, industries, and residents, the Consortium aims to deliver resilient, inclusive, and culturally vibrant urban spaces that serve as a model for sustainable development in the Ngong River riparian zone – and beyond.