The initiative, dubbed “Cleaning for Peace: Love Your City, Clean Your River,” was organised by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Kenya.
The event turned a long-neglected stretch of the river into a hub of activity, as youth volunteers armed with gloves and boots removed plastic waste, polythene bags and other non-biodegradable rubbish from the water.
Youths drawn from across Nairobi county under the World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) during the cleaning of Nairobi river on Saturday, February 21, 2026./HANDOUT
Youths drawn from across Nairobi county under the World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) during the cleaning of Nairobi river on Saturday, February 21, 2026./HANDOUTOrganisers said the exercise was about more than sanitation.
“This is about more than just cleaning a river,” said Ms Sharon Kibet, HWPL Kenya Youth Director.
“It is about reclaiming our responsibility. A polluted environment breeds disease and despair, while a clean one fosters community pride and well-being—the very foundations of sustainable peace. When we heal our planet, we heal our communities. These 100 young people have shown that they are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the peacebuilders of today.”
The Nairobi River has for years been choked by urban waste and industrial runoff, raising environmental and public health concerns.
“This is about more than just cleaning a river,” said Ms Sharon Kibet, HWPL Kenya Youth Director.
“It is about reclaiming our responsibility. A polluted environment breeds disease and despair, while a clean one fosters community pride and well-being—the very foundations of sustainable peace. When we heal our planet, we heal our communities. These 100 young people have shown that they are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the peacebuilders of today.”
The Nairobi River has for years been choked by urban waste and industrial runoff, raising environmental and public health concerns.
For the volunteers, its state reflects a broader challenge facing rapidly growing cities — and an opportunity for grassroots action.
Youths drawn from across Nairobi county under the World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) during the cleaning of Nairobi river on Saturday, February 21, 2026./HANDOUTYouths drawn from across Nairobi county under the World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) during the cleaning of Nairobi river on Saturday, February 21, 2026./HANDOUT
HWPL said the clean-up was inspired by its flagship peace framework, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses advocating for a culture of peace.
According to the organisation, Saturday’s activity brought Article 10 of the DPCW to life by demonstrating that peace is built through practical action within communities.
The event was also held under the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW) programme of HWPL’s partner organisation, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG). The platform encourages young people to design and implement solutions to challenges affecting their societies.
Participants said the clean-up reflected a determination among youth to move from concern to action.
“We are tired of seeing our city's lifeline treated like a dumping ground,” said Celine Atieno, a participant in the clean-up.
“This river is part of us. By cleaning it, we are investing in our own health and sending a message that we demand better for ourselves and for generations to come. Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of a clean, safe, and healthy environment.”
HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee underscored the organisation’s global vision, stating: “The legacy we must leave for future generations is one of peace. Conflict can never be good. Only the achievement of peace is good. If we fail to establish peace in our time, we will burden future generations with war. What we must leave behind is a world of peace, not war.”
Source: The Star
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