In-Situ Engagement Project 2025 (ISEP 2025)
From 7-14 September 2025 the International Institute for Asian Studies, River Cities Network together with the local co-organisers Akiba Mashinani Trust, GoDown Arts Centre, Women In Real Estate, University of Nairobi, Building Climate Resilience with the Urban Poor, Government of Kenya, will organise a seven-day intensive in-situ engagement project in the city of Nairobi with the primary objective to reimagine and transform a 15-km section of the Ngong River riparian corridor into an integrated, resilient, sustainable, and vibrant green space that supports ecosystem and community well-being.
The deadline for applications is Friday 7 February 2025.
For detailed information, go to: https://www.iias.asia/events/regenerating-ngong-river
Together with the convenors, community members and other local stakeholders, the ISEP participants will collaborate to produce a draft final riparian zone plan for the 15-km stretch of the Ngong River. This will be a comprehensive and integrated draft action plan, which will include both spatial and sectoral components, addressing key environmental, social, and economic priorities of the river ecosystem. The action plan will be presented to the local stakeholders after the conclusion of the ISEP 2025 on 14 September 2025. In preparation for the actual event in September 2025, selected participants are asked to attend an online half-day pre-programme meeting in April/May 2025. The exact date for this pre-programme meeting will be confirmed after the participant selection process.
General information
The ISEP targets a multidisciplinary group including representatives from riverine communities, academia, government institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the industrial sector. By bringing together these diverse stakeholders, the project aims to harness a wide range of expertise and perspectives, thereby ensuring that the riparian regeneration plan is holistic, scientifically sound, and community-driven. Collaboration among these groups will foster shared responsibility and ensure that both policy and on-the-ground actions align with the community’s needs and the plan objectives.
To ensure a holistic approach to riparian planning, we are looking for participants with a transdisciplinary approach, spanning a couple of disciplines; who have field experience; and who have experience in bringing in the knowledge of stakeholders on the ground.
The In-Situ Engagement Project 2025 welcomes participation of, but not limited to:
- Civil engineers
- Climate experts
- Ecologists
- Environmentalists
- Geologists
- Human geographers
- Hydrologists and flood risk analysts
- Landscape architects
- Sociologists
- Transport and mobility experts
- Urban anthropologists
- Urban planners
- Water and sanitation experts
Application and selection procedure
To apply for participation in the In-Situ Engagement Project 2025, please complete the online application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 7 February 2025. Application forms received after the deadline cannot be considered.
Applicants are requested to submit the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- An updated curriculum vitae
- After selecting one or more expertise areas that you possess, describe what expertise in that/those particular area(s) you have, and how and where you developed this expertise.
- A motivation essay for the In-Situ Engagement Project (max. 3 pages single-spaced) or a description of participation in projects by the applicant that demonstrates the applicant’s affinity with, or expertise in, the ISEP theme and themes. These documents will be used to select participants for the ISEP as well as consider recipients of financial support request, if applicable.
All complete applications will be evaluated after the deadline and the selection results are expected to be communicated (via e-mail) before 10 March 2025.
Participation requirements
Successful applicants receiving an acceptance letter must formally confirm their participation in the ISEP within one week of notification. Applicants who fail to send a confirmation email within one week of notification will forfeit their letter of acceptance.
Selected participants are expected to take part in the full event and agree to attend all events from 7-14 September 2025, including lectures, field trips, group presentations, etc. Participants also agree to read pre-circulated background materials as generated by the conveners and take part in the online half-day pre-programme meeting in April/May 2025. The exact date for this pre-programme meeting will be confirmed after the selection process.
Language requirements
A working language of English is required and presentations will be in English. No translation/interpretation services will be available.
Accommodation and local costs
Accommodation for seven nights (for out-of-town participants), daily lunch during the ISEP dates, two group dinners, and local transport (as necessary) to all field trip sites are included.
Travel costs
Participants who have been selected are expected to fund their own travel expenses. Limited (partial) travel grants are available to (partially) cover travel costs and visa costs. For more information, please see Financial Support. We recommend that you try to raise funds to cover your transportation and/or other expenses as early as possible.
Application
To apply please go to the event page here and click on Application for the drop down form.
