Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

The dust is slowly settling. After weeks of an unforeseen protests, which will go down in Kenya's history, we can all agree that things will never be the same again. Revolutions have occurred in this country, but none reached the level that Gen Z has driven us to. Or is it just momentary excitement? As active participants in this particular revolution, young people are being asked: what’s next? While the question sounds honest and well-intentioned, it echoes old narratives. Who will you crown to represent you in the upcoming cabinet nominations? Who will be your voice of reason within the corridors of power? What will you intentionally bring as suggestions, only to be heard and ignored in the dialogue forums? While this uproar has shaken power to its core, those who wield it are exploring all possibilities to retain it. They will lure the most vicious protesters into unsaid traps. They will create spaces for the most popular on digital platforms. Slowly but surely, they will brand ...

We typically avoid political commentary on this blog, as our focus is elsewhere and we don't want to alienate our readership. If political discourse isn't your cup of tea, feel free to skip this post. The past few weeks have been tumultuous, with both local and international media casting a grim light on recent events. What started as well-intentioned, peaceful, youth-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024 quickly descended into violence and chaos. One might wonder: could these unfortunate events have been prevented? Was there a chance for reason to prevail among government officials and civil society before the situation spiraled out of control with occupations of parliament, threats on State House, and the destruction of personal businesses? Now that the dust is settling, the nation is trying to piece itself back together. Our President, bowing to public pressure, decided to scrap the entire Finance Bill, instructing parliament to delete all its articles and start over. B...

The recent wave of political and civil movements in Kenya has brought to light a perception that millennials have played a limited role. However, this is a misconception. We are a generation that has experienced a significant transition. We often identify ourselves as a generation striving to create opportunities for a better world, even while grappling with the realities of a flawed system. While it may seem that our contributions are insignificant, the truth is far from it. How do you quantify our role in the AI digital revolution? How do you measure the impact of our storytelling that has moved a generation? How do you gauge the influence of our subtle yet powerful media-driven calls to action? We have played a crucial role in redefining family values, questioning sociocultural ambiguities, and advocating for good governance, transparency, and accountability. Take our work at Forezava, for instance. We meticulously document every digital footprint and ensure transparency in all tran...

Have you noticed the buzz on our social media lately? We're mixing things up with a new wave of content, blending art and cutting-edge tech. But what's the real story behind it? Introducing Climate Culture —an interesting toolkit for youth, climate, and culture. Through podcasting and an interactive booklet format, we're committed to sparking action and sharing best practices. We believe it’s time for a platform dedicated to meaningful conversations and engagement. Climate Culture is a monthly podcast that bridges the gap between youth, culture, and climate action. This 12-part series is packed with engaging content and comes with interactive climate action booklets designed for young people. We all have our own ideas about how things should be done, but we believe in the power of proactive action. Our mission is to ignite and sustain local conversations about the things that matter most. We're concerned about the degradation of natural ecosystems. We're worried abo...

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...

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...