On Saturday, 20th September 2025, Kuja joined hands with Adeso and our grassroots partners to commemorate World Cleanup Day. This year, we proudly amplified initiatives led by Kuja Platform members; Nairobi Recyclable Waste Association CBO in Dandora and Slums Going Green and Clean in Kibera.
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Kibera Youth clearing drainage
These two organisations embody what it means to clean with dignity. Their work goes beyond picking waste, it restores pride, dignity, and hope in communities that are often overlooked. By mobilising local leaders, volunteers, and residents, they are transforming public spaces in informal settlements into cleaner, greener, and safer environments for all.
Despite doing critical work in their communities, these organisations are often overlooked and under resourced. We were fortunate enough to partake in activities; the tireless work these organisations do to ensure their communities remain clean with little to no funding. This means they lack even proper protective equipment needed for waste collection but have managed to keep their environment clean, an important undertaking that makes them well known in their communities. Since they work in low-income areas, most of these communities lack finances to pay for garbage picking and as a result, they are reliant on the help of these community-based organisations.
At Kuja, our role was to stand in solidarity and amplify their efforts. We believe that real change is community-driven, and that grassroots organisations deserve the visibility, recognition, and resources needed to scale their impact. By shining a light on their leadership, we affirm that local actors are not just participants, they are the drivers of transformation.
We are deeply grateful to every volunteer, and community member who showed up with heart and commitment. Together, we proved that collective action can restore dignity and inspire a cleaner, greener future.
The Kuja Team with the Nairobi Recyclable Waste Association CBO Chair, Solomon
This is what Kuja Pamoja (Coming Together) truly means: uniting voices, amplifying grassroots action, and building hope through solidarity.
Here’s to communities leading the way, and to many more collective actions that reshape the future.
If you’re inspired by the incredible work of these CBOS and want to support community environmental action, we invite you to learn more and stand in solidarity with them. Check out their profiles on the Kuja platform, Nairobi Recycable Waste Association and Slums Going Green to explore their stories, see the impact they’re making, and find ways you can collaborate, whether through funding, partnerships, or sharing their mission. Every act of support helps sustain their efforts and amplify their voice.