The Mathare River Future Design Basecamp 2024: A Journey of Vision, Commitment, and Action
From November 12 to November 15, 2024, the Mathare River Future Design Basecamp brought together community members, experts, and stakeholders to craft a shared vision for a habitable and resilient Mathare River ecosystem. Hosted at Ndogoro primary school in Kabete Sub-county, this transformative event combined knowledge-sharing, strategic planning, and practical action.
Opening Ceremony
The Basecamp began on November 12 with an opening ceremony that introduced participants to the program's objectives.
Day 1: History and Base Theories
The day laid a strong foundation with sessions on base theories, global environmental changes, and an impact scan of Mathare's current state. A storytelling session brought the river’s history to life, featuring powerful narratives from individuals who have interacted with the river both upstream and downstream over a period of more than 50 years. This helped to point out the trends of changes for the ecosystem over the years.
Day 2: Visioning and Thematic Areas
On November 14, participants gathered to reflect on Day 1 and engage in a structured dialogue about the future of the Mathare River. They identified what to Keep, Create, or Drop for successful regeneration efforts. Five key thematic areas were established:
1. Utilization of Indigenous Knowledge
2. Clean, Accessible, and Affordable Water
3. A Clean River with Proper Infrastructure
4. Economic Growth and Opportunities
5. Recreation Spaces
6. Enhanced Public Involvement
For each theme, purpose statements were crafted to guide the work ahead.
Day 3: A Visit to Gitathuru River's Source
On November 15, participants visited the source of the Gitathuru River in Cura Village, Kabete Sub-county. This pristine groundwater spring, which serves the local community with fresh drinking water, stood in stark contrast to the polluted downstream sections. The visit highlighted the urgent need for regeneration efforts, reinforcing the Basecamp’s mission.
The Commitment to Action
The final day, Participants translated their visions into actionable goals, including identifying objectives achievable within the next six months. A coordination team was appointed to oversee and steer the immediate actions. The Basecamp ended with a collective pledge to embark on a 10-year journey to restore the Mathare River to a habitable and resilient ecosystem by 2034.
Looking Ahead
The Mathare River Future Design Basecamp 2024 aligned with community voices, scientific knowledge, and actionable strategies, it set the stage for a decade-long commitment to restoring the Mathare River.
With a clear vision and determined action, the Basecamp proved that together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a sustainable future.
