Erosion along the stream banks near the footbridge has worsened over the past several years as unregulated construction upstream strips vegetation and sends loose soil downstream every time it rains, silting the streambed and undercutting the footbridge's support pillars.
To mark the start of the year, we organized a planting exercise bringing together 60 adult volunteers and two classes of upper-primary pupils, planting 1,200 seedlings, a mix of indigenous trees suited to riparian zones, such as Markhamia and Croton species, and vetiver grass slips known for their deep, soil-binding root systems.
Seedlings were sourced at a discount from a community tree nursery in Kasarani that specializes in indigenous species, and planting followed a simple zoning plan drawn up with informal guidance from a retired forestry officer who volunteered his time to walk the site with us beforehand and mark the most erosion-prone sections for priority planting.
“I used to think planting trees was something only the government or big NGOs did. Today I planted five trees with my own hands along the same stream I cross every day, and I will be checking on them.”
— Volunteer and Gituamba resident
Each planting section was assigned to a specific volunteer group or class, who committed to watering and weeding their section monthly for the first year, when seedling mortality is highest. We will publish a one-year survival update on this page in early 2027.
If your school, church, or workplace group would like to sponsor and plant a section of the stream bank, reach out through our Contact page to schedule a planting day.
Your donation or volunteer hour goes directly into work like the story above — not overhead.
Get involved