🤔 Imagine this.

You have had one of those weeks. You know, the kind that drain the life and light out of you. You are tired everywhere; physically, mentally, emotionally and every ‘ally’ that exists. You definitely need a reset if you are to survive another day in this our Nairobi.

So, where do you go to recharge?

I anticipate many answers to this question. I am however a hundred percent sure that at least one of you thought, “A walk or a run in Karura or Arboretum.” Am I right or am I right? There is just something about nature – the trees, fresh air, birds – that centres you. You know the other thing I am pretty certain none of you said?

“I will go to Githurai.”

Wueh! Unless your idea of a reset is blaring horns and motor fumes or traders shoving wares down your throat talking about, “…niko na size yako madam. Nunulia mzee bas. Wife? Na kajunior?” “Mia! Mbili! Ashu!” All this while holding your breath carefully navigating pathways lest you step on someone’s tomatoes, and protecting your wares because even you if you play you will be stolen. Even reading that was chaotic, sindio?

But maybe I am just assuming assuming things. Did you think of Githurai (and environs) as a green space destination? Wacha green space even, a recharge destination?

If you had asked me this a couple of months ago, I would have said “zi!” with my whole chest! Nope! Tricky sana! Just imagine my surprise when I was introduced to the Small Axe Riparian Park pale Githu, 45 to be specific. Yep! You heard that right. A park in Githurai. An oxymoron to many, perhaps, but true nonetheless.

In 2012, a group of young men then working as matatu touts, drivers and ‘kamageras’ watched in amazement as the section of Nairobi River pale Globe Roundabout gradually transformed from filth to health (Ha! I really wanted to use a word that rhymes with filth. Let’s just say it was a sight to behold!). The late Minister for Environment, John Michuki was spearheading this rehabilitation project.

Inspired, they decided to do the same for their local river, River Gatharaini. Not only was this a worthy cause, but it would keep them busy in an era where ‘idle’ young men were harassed by police on suspicion of belonging to outlawed groups like mungiki and kamjesh.

And thus began the journey.

James Kamanu, one of the founding members of Small Axe Environmental Initiative
recalls:
“There was a huge dumpsite right next to the river. Job ya kwanza ilikuwa kutoa hizo gabo, na it wasn’t easy. We had to get our hands dirty. It was harder than most of us had anticipated. Wasee wengine waligive up, but we recruited others and in time, the land was cleared.”

Those who stayed began to envision a community green space where people could come to relax as not everyone could afford to go to Uhuru Park or City Park in the Nairobi CBD. Their decision to plant trees instead of vegetables for sale was met with, “y’all can’t be serious!”

Me for one I am glad they stood their ground and planted trees in spite of all the resistance and sceptism. This is what we are talking about when we say Risto za Nai is about love, rebellion and connection. Their community focused initiative has not been without trials. Mara bullies, mara landgrabbers. Uzuri when they were picking a name, they settled on one that would remind them of how powerful they really are. The name Small Axe is from a song by the same title by legendary reggae artist, Bob Marley.

“If you are the big, big tree
We have a small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
Sharpened to cut you down
If you are the big tree, let me tell you this

We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down (well sharp)
Sharpened to cut you down”

Fitting, right?

Go to Google Maps and search, ‘Small Axe Riparian Park’. Actually don’t. I will do that for you since I need you to continue reading the article. Here’s a screenshot.

What a sight for sore eyes that green strip is amidst all the brown! 

The facelift that the group has given the space on satellite does not even compare to what you find on the ground. You enter the park like this and are greeted with bird calls and songs. Last time I was there the Mousebirds were the soloists. And the trees? Bamboos? Cool air? The sound of the river passing through? Pure bliss!

The former dumpsite now identifies as a park. But really, it was just restored to factory settings because from all the stories we have heard kumbe “Githurai ilikuwa same whatsapp group na Karen. Leafy suburbs things.” True story imagine!

Heh! There are so many stories here. Tell you what? Come back next time because we have barely scratched the surface with risto za Small Axe and the ripple effect in the community.

Meanwhile, I hope you will find yourself in Githurai one of these days you see what I am telling you live live! Si ni mi nawashow?

Risto za Nai is partnering with the Small Axe Environmental Initiative to amplify their ristos.