Clean a river in Migingo & stop plastic pollution

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you for continuing to support our efforts to tackle plastic pollution and restore the Mathare River in Nairobi, Kenya.

When we first began this journey, the challenge was enormous. Years of waste dumping had left sections of the river and surrounding land heavily polluted, creating health risks for local families and leaving little safe space for children to play.

But this project is about much more than simply removing rubbish. It is about changing how waste is viewed, creating opportunities for local people and giving communities the tools to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Giving Plastic a Second Life

One of the most exciting aspects of our work with our Kenyan partners, including Chemolex, has been the development of innovative ways to turn discarded plastic into useful products.

Plastic collected from rivers and surrounding communities can be processed into durable paving blocks, fencing posts and other construction materials. Instead of contributing to pollution, these materials can become valuable resources.

Alongside recycling activities, the project has supported the development of community gardens and greener public spaces, helping transform previously neglected areas into places that local families can enjoy.

These initiatives demonstrate how environmental restoration and economic opportunity can go hand in hand.

Building a Sustainable Future

The long-term success of this work depends on more than clean-up campaigns alone.

By supporting local recycling initiatives, encouraging responsible waste management and involving community groups, we hope to help create lasting solutions that reduce pollution at its source.

There have been challenges along the way, including severe flooding that damaged riverside facilities and disruption to recycling equipment. However, the determination shown by our Kenyan partners and local communities has been remarkable.

The experience gained through overcoming these challenges is helping shape a more resilient approach to protecting the river and surrounding environment.

Your Support Still Matters

There is still much to do. Plastic pollution remains a significant challenge, and protecting the progress already achieved requires ongoing commitment, resources and community involvement.

Every donation helps support the wider ambition of restoring the Mathare River, reducing waste and creating a healthier environment for the families who live alongside it.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this journey. Whether you have donated, shared our project or simply followed our progress, you are helping keep this important work in the spotlight.

Together, we can continue working towards a future where waste becomes a resource, rivers are cleaner and communities have more opportunities to thrive.

Asante sana — thank you very much!

Leigh and the Smart Villages Team