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project details
The Nairobi River as a Driver for Circular Communities
Research Area
Urban Development
Project Status
Ongoing
Start Date
Feb, 2023
Researchers
Dr. Elsie Onsongo
Rosebella Nyumba
Introduction
In 2023, the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) was established to address the impacts of climate change and enhance the climate adaptability of Kenyan regions. Additionally, the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) introduced a climate mitigation strategy that included creating a 30-meter-wide protection zone along the densely populated riverbanks. However, in May 2024, extreme rainfall led to devastating floods, landslides, and the collapse of dams and bridges. Tragically, more than 220 people lost their lives, and 23,000 were displaced. As is often the case, the most vulnerable communities were disproportionately affected. This unfortunate event is part of a recurring pattern of droughts and heavy rainfall, highlighting the systemic nature of these climate-related disasters.
This action research project responds to the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, which disproportionately affect vulnerable riverside communities. These communities are striving to become more self-sufficient by developing circular systems for managing essential resources, including water, energy, and materials. Building on existing community-driven initiatives, the project seeks to further empower these communities by co-creating context-specific solutions to enhance climate resilience and improve their quality of life.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are:
- To gain a deeper understanding of multiple value creation and governance structures in community-led circular initiatives along the Nairobi River.
- To co-create interventions and a collaborative governance framework with local communities and government representatives to support circular, sustainable practices.
- To facilitate knowledge exchange among community members, researchers, policymakers, and international institutions, focusing on enhancing circular and regenerative practices.
Methodology
The project employs a two-pronged approach to achieve its objectives:
Comparative Analysis
- The project will study two circular initiatives, one upstream and one downstream along the Nairobi River, which are focused on climate adaptation and ecological, economic, and social regeneration. This will include mapping and analysing the initiatives using the Circular Value Flower (CVF) method, which helps identify actors and technical, spatial, and social opportunities within each initiative.
Co-Creation Workshops
The project will engage community members, local leaders, and representatives from the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) and Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) in workshops to co-design interventions and a collaborative governance model. These workshops will ensure that the solutions are context-appropriate and can potentially be scaled to other regions.
Expected Outcomes
- The project will enhance the resilience and regenerative capabilities of riverside communities, equipping them with circular management systems for resources and recognition from formal institutions.
- The interventions designed through the project will be tested for scalability across other river basins, potentially expanding their impact.
- The outcomes of the project will be shared through a mini-documentary, publications, and seminars, amplifying the voices of community members and showcasing the potential of circular community initiatives.
- The project will raise new research questions and provide a foundation for further studies on circular and regenerative communities, with the potential to drive long-term sustainable change.
Implementing Partners
This is a collaborative project funded by the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Global initiative, and will be implemented by scholars from Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University and NUVONI. The Circular Community Foundation, a key partner, brings expertise in developing circular initiatives globally.
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