Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

As young African climate justice actionists with Forezava, a youth-led climate action initiative in rural Vihiga County, we often find ourself oscillating between hope and frustration. Our initiative, committed to real, grassroots climate action, sees the devastating impact of climate change daily. Yet, we also witness an infuriating spectacle: government-led greenwashing that masquerades as genuine climate action. Take the recent national tree planting events, for example. It’s hard not to laugh—or cry—at the irony. Here we have government ministers and permanent secretaries arriving in helicopters and fuel-guzzling convoys to plant a grand total of 50 trees in most cases. Yes, you read that right: 50 trees because once the photoops are done people scatter and no one cares about the remaining tree seedlings. Not the thousands they claim in their press releases, but a mere handful. The media, of course, laps up the exaggerated numbers without a second thought. Or in most cases because,...

In the verdant landscapes of Western Kenya, where the whispers of ancient forests mingle with the hopes of modern progress, a golden secret lies buried beneath the earth. Here, in the heart of Vihiga and Kakamega Counties, the discovery of vast gold deposits has set the stage for a modern-day treasure hunt of epic proportions. But as fortune beckons, so too do questions of sustainability and community well-being, casting a shadow over the glittering promise of prosperity. The Business Daily (2021), reported that Shanta Gold had revealed the presence of extensive gold deposits, estimated at a staggering 1.31 million ounces, with a jaw-dropping value of over 164 billion Kenyan Shillings. This discovery set off a flurry of activity, particularly in the so-called Lirhanda corridor, spanning over 1,161 square kilometers across Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, and Kisumu Counties. However, this surge in mining activities is not a new phenomenon. Artisanal mining has long been a part of the fabric o...