Sanitation Crisis: Life Without Toilets in Meru’s Shauri Yako Slum
By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
Key Highlights
Over 250 households in Shauri Yako have been without toilets for four years, forcing residents to rely on flying toilets.
From January to September 2023, the area reported 814 cases of diarrhea, 209 cases of intestinal worms, and 75 cases of H.Pylori, according to Dr. Festus Mwenda,...
Polluted Paradise: Garbage Dumping Endangers Lake Nkunga and Residents
By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
In Summary
Lake Nkunga supports households, livestock, and tourism in Meru County.
A poorly managed dumpsite nearby is contaminating air and water.
Residents report respiratory illness, insect infestation, and fears of water pollution.
When smoke from burning garbage drifts across her home, Florence Kairuthi knows an asthma attack could follow....
From Streets to the Ring: How Boxing is Giving Meru’s Youth a Second Chance
By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
In Summary
The Meru Boxing Club mentors over 400 youth from slums in Meru County.
The club has helped youth escape drugs, crime, and depression while developing discipline and life skills.
Trainees have competed nationally and internationally, and some have secured employment through boxing.
When 20-year-old Erick Kinyua Gitonga...
Stitching a Future: Youth in Meru Embrace Shoe-Making to Overcome Joblessness
By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
In Summary
Youth unemployment in Kenya stands at 12.7 percent, pushing many to seek opportunities outside formal jobs.
The jua kali shoe-making industry in Meru County provides skills, income, and a path to self-reliance for young people.
Mentorship from experienced craftsmen like Nicholas Muthamia equips youth with lifelong skills...
How Kenya’s Older Athletes Are Running Their Way Through Ageing
By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
Key Highlights
The athletes cover about five kilometres three times a week.
Meru's Masters Athletics chapter has about 80 members, including international competitors and a visually impaired runner.
Some athletes travel up to 50 kilometres for training and pay their own fares.
At 82, Wanjiru Kamau has grown accustomed...
No Finish Line for Age: Inside Meru’s Community of Older Runners
By Brian Gitonga, DevReporter, Meru County
At 82, Wanjiru Kamau is not ready to stop running, even if some people think she should.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, she joins a group of older athletes in Meru County, eastern Kenya, for training, covering about five kilometres each session.
Her decision to take up running was not always...
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