Why We Care
It is an open secret that the greener spaces in Nairobi known as ‘leafy suburbs’ are for the rich, watu wanajiweza. Somewhere along the line it was decided that one would only have the privilege of living in/enjoying lush green estates if they were moneyed. Risto za Nai has a major problem with this colonial narrative.
This ‘deserving’ distinction is also a very urban problem. Do ushago people have these stories?
There are numerous studies that show that having more green areas in the city comes with physical and mental health benefits to its residents. This relationship is likely influenced by how easily someone can access nature – is it on their doorstep or do they need to travel long distances to reach it?
Nairobi has lost 22% of its green spaces in the last 18 years. For a city that is fondly known as ‘The green city in the sun’, these are not just percentages and numbers. They represent a loss of identity not just of an abstract place on the map, but also of a people who consider Nairobi home.
This is no longer just a lower class problem. There rich also cry. Trees are being felled to pave way for roads and railways. Quarries are leaving gaping holes in forests considered the lungs of the city. If we do not ALL rise up and fight for these spaces we face a bleak future indeed. A grey future where concrete rules.
It’s for serious!
Risto za Nai is committed to joining hands with already existing regreening efforts to fight for the spaces that have somehow survived the onslaught. To restore indigenous species that had meaning to our forefathers and therefore carry our DNA. To reconnect to our roots through storytelling and earthing. We believe that our stories remind us that we did not come from nowhere and that we are ALL deserving of what nature has to offer, status or class notwithstanding. We hope that our love for people, nature and stories encourages us to stand guard and rebel against people or systems that threaten our well being.
Any way you look at it, it simply is the fight for our lives.
Cheki, that’s why we care…and why you should too.
