Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

We recently made a bold move by hosting the inaugural Sports for River Ezava Tournament, a groundbreaking event that not only celebrated athleticism but also spearheaded environmental stewardship. The tournament, which brought together more than 200 young athletes under the age of 17, served as a beacon of hope for community-driven climate action. Nestled within the scenic confines of Demesi Primary School playground, the tournament transcended conventional sports gatherings by fostering a holistic approach to community engagement. Beyond the exhilarating matches and spirited competition, participants and spectators alike were invited to partake in a series of collective endeavors aimed at nurturing the local ecosystem and raising awareness about climate change. One of the standout initiatives orchestrated during the event was the ambitious tree planting campaign. With a shared commitment to environmental conservation, over 2000 trees were lovingly planted, symbolizing a collective ple...

As an intentional component of this blog we have invested in addressing aspects of interests around climate change, youth and community. This disclaimer is as important as anything else within today's conversation. Now let's dive into it! The Green Army initiative was first floated as a national recruitment drive through the Kenya Forest Services for youth across the country to participate in nationwide tree growing programs. The first call for applications exactly a year or so down the line clearly stipulated that the recruited youth over 4000 of them would undertake activities with a recompense model of between 9000-18000 shillings every month for a period of one year. And these initiative would be managed by Kenya Forest Services and its regional officers. In all honesty anyone looking at such a model would feel a strong level of pride and great enthusiasm. Finally, the government had decided to step up work and in so doing created opportunities through Climate Change miti...

The recent sentencing of Jowie Irungu to death row has sent shockwaves through Kenya, sparking intense discussions and raising critical questions about the justice system's treatment of its youth. The imposition of a death sentence, an archaic relic from colonial times, seems like a blast from the past in a nation that has long abandoned its practical application. However, the specter of death row still looms large, casting a chilling shadow over the lives of many young Kenyans. For over 35 years, death row has largely been replaced by lengthy jail sentences, with the possibility of eventual pardon through the presidential power of mercy. Yet, the question remains: are Kenyan youth at risk of finding themselves on death row? The answer is not a simple one. In a society where socio-economic disparities, political tensions, and systemic injustices persist, the risk of being wrongly accused or truthfully implicated in cases of murder or violence cannot be overlooked. The reality is th...

In the fight against climate change, dialogue is our most potent weapon. It's not just about talking; it's about innovation, localization, and normalizing the actions needed for a sustainable future. We must constantly seek new ideas and approaches to combat climate change. Whether it's harnessing renewable energy, developing carbon capture technologies, or implementing nature-based solutions, innovation is key to finding effective solutions to this global challenge. Climate action is not one-size-fits-all. It needs to be tailored to the unique needs and contexts of local communities. By engaging local stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and marginalized groups, we can ensure that climate solutions are inclusive. We need to shift societal norms to prioritize sustainability. This means making environmentally-friendly choices the default option, whether it's opting for public transportation, reducing waste, or supporting eco-friendly businesses. By normalizing sust...

Are you passionate about making a difference in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation? Do you have innovative ideas and solutions to address pressing environmental challenges? If so, we invite you to seize the opportunity and apply for the Youth4Climate Award 2024! Initiated by the UNDP Rome Center and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, the Youth4Climate Award aims to recognize and support youth-led initiatives that tackle environmental and climate issues head-on. With a focus on fostering youth inclusivity and innovation, this award program is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. One inspiring example of the impact of the Youth4Climate Award is Forezava, a startup that received recognition during the first call for solutions in 2023. Their groundbreaking efforts exemplify the potential of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change. Now, it's your turn to join this global movement and unleash your creativit...

We have to face some hard reality here today. As we speak in the serene greenery of Vihiga County lies a dark reality that threatens the lives of our young people. The allure of gold has lured many into the depths of unregulated mining, where danger lurks at every corner. This morning, the harsh truth hit home once again as news broke of yet another tragedy unfolding in Chanda, Chambiti Village. Five young souls now find themselves trapped within the confines of a treacherous mine, their fate hanging in the balance. With each passing hour, anxiety mounts, and the uncertainty of their condition grips the community in a somber embrace. But this is not an isolated incident; it is a recurring nightmare that has plagued Vihiga County for years. The toll of unregulated gold mining is measured not just in lives lost and bodies injured but in the shattered dreams of families torn apart by grief. These are but dark times for a generation. Anyone that has had an opportunity to visit these sites ...

The youth are the future, a common phrase that we should seek to debunk. But what better way to debunk this than through proactively engaging the youth in activities and programs that build their capacity to create sustainable solutions. The potential greatly expoused by the African youth is desirable. If you haven't had an opportunity to meet this potential and promise then there is somewhere some of us had a unique opportunity to experience it. The  YALI Regional Leadership Center EA  is a unique program that brings together young leaders from 14 East and Central African countries. The youth are selected from three specific leadership tracks: Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership and Public Management. Let me tell you (Maina) the moment you get the chance to meet these amazing leaders cutting across several languages, cultures, religions and various interesting food tastes the realization of what the future for Africa holds strikes home.  One alumni writes: "Arriving at Ke...