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.
In her interview, Nicera Wanjiru shares the impactful stories of two young residents from Kibera informal settlement, Vivian Vushele and Charles Gicura, as they reflect on how the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed their lives. Both faced significant challenges: Vivian experienced her parents' separation, while Charles had to pivot from a career in hospitality due to the industry's collapse. Their narratives highlight the emotional and economic upheaval that many young people endured during this unprecedented time.
In this piece, Jacob Omondi, Jackline Waithaka, and Jane Wairutu discuss the profound impact of COVID-19 on youth in informal settlements like Mathare, Nairobi. The pandemic has exacerbated job losses and financial instability, particularly affecting those in the informal economic sector, where many young people rely on daily earnings from their businesses.
In their blog, Jacob Omondi and Rogers Abala discuss the critical importance of safeguarding during data collection within informal settlements as part of the ARISE research work. Muungano Wa Wanavijiji prioritizes the protection of co-researchers and participants by providing thorough training on safeguarding practices, ensuring that co-researchers are prepared to respond to potential risks. Key principles include maintaining participant anonymity and confidentiality, as well as pausing data collection in cases of community conflict to prioritize safety.
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on news and projects.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and provide consent to receive updates from our organization.
.svg)
