HKSAI Leads Environmental Peace Walk and Clean-Up in Huruma Estate, Uasin Gishu

Uasin Gishu County, 27 April 2026 – Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI) mobilized 111 volunteers in a major Environmental Peace Walk and Community Clean-Up in Huruma Estate, bringing together children, youth, community members, local partners, and business owners to tackle illegal dumping, unblock drainage channels, restore cleaner public spaces, and promote responsible waste management.

The initiative addressed persistent environmental challenges that have contributed to flooding, pollution, and public health risks while demonstrating the power of collective community action.

Transforming an Illegal Dumpsite into a Cleaner Community

For years, a roadside location near an electricity pole had become an illegal dumping site where residents and passers-by disposed of household waste. The growing accumulation of garbage blocked drainage channels, created foul odours, increased the risk of flooding, and threatened the health of nearby residents.

Working together, HKSAI volunteers removed the accumulated waste, segregated recyclable materials from general waste, and installed a clearly marked "No Dumping" sign to discourage future illegal disposal. The restored site now stands as a visible example of what communities can achieve through shared responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Restoring Drainage Systems and Public Spaces

The clean-up exercise extended beyond waste collection. Volunteers manually cleared blocked drainage channels by removing plastic waste, silt, and other debris that had obstructed water flow.

This intervention helped restore drainage, reduce flooding risks, and improve sanitation across Huruma Estate.

Children and young people actively swept streets, footpaths, and communal areas while supporting the collection and consolidation of waste for proper disposal, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Youth Leading Environmental Action

Young people played a central role throughout the campaign, demonstrating leadership and commitment to environmental conservation. Their participation highlighted the importance of empowering children and youth to become active stewards of their communities and champions of sustainable environmental practices.

By working alongside adults, the young volunteers gained practical knowledge on waste management, teamwork, and civic responsibility while inspiring other community members to participate in protecting their environment.

Building Environmental Awareness

In addition to the clean-up, HKSAI conducted an Environmental Peace Walk and community sensitization campaign aimed at encouraging lasting behavioural change.

Volunteers engaged residents and business owners through door-to-door visits and group discussions on proper waste disposal, environmental conservation, and the importance of keeping drainage systems free from waste.

The campaign generated positive community support, with several business owners committing to improve waste management practices and contribute to maintaining a cleaner Huruma Estate.

Community Participation at a Glance

The exercise attracted strong community participation, bringing together 111 volunteers, including 65 women, 36 men, 60 children and youth below the age of 18, and three persons with disabilities. The diverse participation reflected the community's shared commitment to environmental conservation and inclusive development.

Lasting Impact

The Environmental Peace Walk and Community Clean-Up delivered significant results:

• An illegal dumpsite was cleared and reclaimed for community use.
• Waste was segregated to promote responsible disposal and recycling.
• Primary drainage channels were reopened, reducing flood risks.
• Streets, footpaths, and communal spaces were left visibly cleaner.
• Residents and business owners gained increased awareness of proper waste management practices.
• The activity strengthened partnerships and generated valuable documentation for future advocacy and resource mobilization.

Looking Ahead

While the initiative achieved its immediate objectives, HKSAI identified several priorities for sustaining the gains made.

These include increasing the number of well-marked waste collection bins, improving scheduled waste collection services, providing adequate personal protective equipment for volunteers, and strengthening partnerships with county authorities, development partners, businesses, and community leaders.

HKSAI remains committed to supporting community-led environmental initiatives that promote healthier neighbourhoods, protect public health, and build resilient communities. The success of the Huruma Environmental Peace Walk demonstrates that lasting environmental transformation is possible when communities work together with a shared vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

To learn more about HKSAI, visit. www.hopeksai.org