Project Overview:
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Manyatta, Nyalenda, and Obunga Informal Settlements face pressing environmental challenges due to their continued reliance on unclean energy sources. This reliance is not only responsible for aggravating indoor pollution but has also led to rising cases of acute respiratory infections [1]. The repercussions of these health issues mean children are frequently absent from school, and there's an uptick in the infant mortality rate. Additionally, the unsustainable extraction of coal and firewood for cooking accelerates the problem, with the current trajectory indicating a looming threat of desertification [2]. Coupled with these challenges, the escalating carbon dioxide emissions compound the already deteriorating environmental condition of these settlements.
In response to rising electricity costs, the allure of transitioning to clean energy sources in Manyatta, Nyalenda, and Obunga is palpable. To accelerate this shift, Participatory Educational Theatre was utilized via the "Youth Voices on Clean Energy" project. This initiative aimed to educate and inform the youth, women, and the general community about viable, alternative clean energy sources, thereby promoting environmentally-conscious behavior and fortifying resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
Among the pivotal objectives set were the propagation of available clean energy alternatives and the debunking of misconceptions surrounding their cost [3]. By achieving these, a decrease in acute respiratory ailments and a reduction in CO2 emissions were anticipated.
Subsequent to these efforts, there was a marked shift in community awareness towards a more responsible energy consumption paradigm and an understanding of the hazards posed by traditional energy sources. This paradigm shift not only spearheaded individual behavioral changes but also engendered a community-wide advocacy for sustainable energy practices.
Championing this cause was the Amazon Theatrix Ensemble, which ingeniously melded performing arts and media to emphasize the importance of clean energy in the contemporary climate context. Through the Community Participatory Educational Theatre (CPET) approach and organized dialogues, they effectively educated 150,000 youths and women in Kisumu Informal Settlement about alternative clean energy sources [4]. This outreach was complemented by comprehensive sessions on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Moving forward, there are concerted efforts underway to secure funding and collaborate with aligned partners. The overarching aspiration is to further expand the footprint of the "Youth Voices on Clean Energy" initiative, spotlighting Artivism as an instrumental medium for fostering authentic community conversations on clean energy transition.
References:
[1] World Health Organization. "Household air pollution and health impacts in developing nations," 2021.
[2] National Environmental Management Authority of Kenya. "Risks and implications of deforestation in Kenya," 2020.
[3] Energy Regulatory Commission Kenya. "Transition to clean energy: Benefits and challenges in East Africa," 2022. ´
[4] Kisumu County Government Reports. "Community engagement and clean energy initiatives in Kisumu Informal Settlements," 2021.
