Thika, Kenya, April 22: Muungano engages in a clean-up exercise at Kiandutu slum

By Eva Muchiri and Nicera Wanjiru

*Kiambu County government officials launch the Public Private Partnership clean up Exercise in Kiandutu Slums, Thika.*

Muungano wa Wanavijiji, Nairobi county networks joined their counterparts from Thika in the exercise which is in line with the Federation Spirit, a code which mobilizes communities contribute towards their sustainable community development initiatives to create lasting value.

The exercise in a public private partnership (PPP) partnership with the Kiambu County government, Gakuyo Real Estate Ltd, Uzuri Institute and the National Youth Service with the area youth groups- participating.

Over 200 people turned out in support of the activity – collecting garbage, unblocking drainages and trenches following the heavy rains experienced in Kiambu, causing major flooding especially in areas with poor drainage.

*Rashid Mutua addresses the participants.*

Rashid Mutua, the National Federation leader expressed the federation’s appreciation to those who participated, saying; “One way of ensuring that a community thrives is by protecting its environment and we are pleased with the youth group continuous cleanup activity and proud of our community based groups for taking part in it as well.

The Kiambu County Government CECM in charge of Water and Environment Hon. Esther Njuguna assured of the government’s commitment to give of their time and energy to residents is one way for us to ensure that we promote proper sanitation while at the same time create awareness on the importance of proper hygiene to the community that we live in.”

Speaking during the exercise, Muungano wa Kiandutu network chairperson Gabriel Kabui thanked all stakeholders, the Youth Groups and the residents who took time out of their busy schedule to participate in the activity. He further urged the area residents to ensure environmental cleanliness to avoid preventable diseases such as Cholera, especially with rise of its outbreak recently in different parts of the country.

The Youth Groups are organised in 10 clusters of the Kiandutu informal settlement brings together young people of either gender of between the ages of 15 to 30 from Kiandutu slum with an aim of encouraging them to take part in community development programs.

*Youth Participation in conserving the environment.*

With 100 members, drawn from the 10 clusters and youth groups takes part in a garbage collection activity every Saturday, as well as carrying out environmental awareness campaign within the slum.

The youth have also formed an income generating project (car wash) and a soccer team that keeps them engaged as they also seek to nurture their talent in the sport.

The community based garbage collect project seeks support for equipment such as wheelbarrows, racks, and protective gears such as gumboots, gloves and dust masks to the youth group which will help them continue with their weekly clean-up activities.