On February 1, 2024, in collaboration with Kounkuey Design Initiative Kenya (KDI Kenya), we proudly introduced the inaugural public space within Mukuru Kwa Reuben, named the Mukuru Riverfront Public Space. This holds significant importance for us as an organization dedicated to create a community that interacts and protects with nature. How did this journey start? The journey began in November 2022 when, alongside KDI Kenya, we initiated the search for a suitable location for a public space along the Ngong River which is a tributary of Nairobi River within Mukuru.

Despite months of scouting and challenges such as ownership constraints and budget limitations, we identified a drainage area adjacent to Bridge International Academy. This spot played a crucial role in the flooding of the area, impacting the school’s functionality and tenant’s access. The Mukuru Riverfront Public Space not only addressed the flooding issue but also complemented an ongoing project at the Bridge school which aimed at addressing flooding within the school and surrounding area.

In a unique approach, together KDI Kenya engaged in a co-creation process with the community, involving both teams to envision the public space collaboratively. This vision was then translated into a design by the lead designer, and the project ran concurrently with the Sustainable Design Academy, where students played a vital role in its completion.

The Sustainable Design Academy equipped participants with environmentally restorative design principles, using Minecraft as a tool for envisioning and creating spaces. The co-creation process involved input from various community members, including landlords, tenants, leaders and children. Construction of the public space commenced, with priority given to those who attended the workshops, providing employment for over 300 rotational workers.

The launch of the Mukuru Riverfront Public Space was attended by local organizations, leaders, the Bridge International Academy leadership, religious figures, and community members. Member of the County Assembly, Scholastica Muthoni, emphasized the importance of partnerships for community development. Since its initiation, the project has generated employment and features a children’s play area, meeting shade, trees, a bridge, seating areas and drainage to mitigate flooding.

Our executive director urged residents to protect the public space, emphasizing the need to prevent vandalism and expressed gratitude to KDI for choosing Mukuru Youth Initiative as their implementing partner. Community associate Kazia Ojal acknowledged the project’s challenges but praised stakeholders for their support. The MCA interacted with residents, highlighting the significance of partnerships for community development.

As Mukuru Youth Initiative, we are privileged to have played a key role in addressing environmental, social, drainage, educational, and flooding concerns in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. We want to extend special thanks to KDI Kenya, UN-Habitat, Sustainable Design Academy, Bridge International School, local administration, the construction team, local organizations, the community and everyone involved in making the Mukuru Riverfront Public Space Project a success. The launch signifies not just the end but a new beginning for Mukuru Kwa Reuben.