April 17, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya
What was once a forgotten corner of Nairobi—an illegal dumpsite—now pulses with life, laughter, and green dreams. On April 17th, 2025, the transformation of Mathare Community Park took another giant leap forward as Octagon Foundation partnered with local change-makers Mto Wangu Initiative to expand and green this critical urban space.
The vibrant event, held at Good Samaritan Children’s Home and Mathare Community Park, saw dozens of volunteers, children, and residents roll up their sleeves for a tree planting campaign and an unforgettable CSR fun day. The message was clear: climate action begins right here, with community and commitment.
A Park Born from Resilience
Since 2017, the Mto Wangu Initiative has led efforts to reclaim the once-degraded land. Their vision? To build a safe, welcoming space where over 200 children—and the larger Mathare community—could play, learn, and breathe easier.
What they created is more than a park—it's a symbol of resilience and renewal.
Octagon Steps In with Roots and Resolve
Octagon Foundation, the CSR arm of Octagon Africa, joined the mission with a bold contribution—a tree planting drive to expand the park’s green cover and a full day of support activities. The initiative is part of the wider Nairobi Rivers Commission’s master plan to revitalize the Nairobi, Mathare, and Ngong river ecosystems.
“Our mission goes beyond financial services,” said Fred Waswa, CEO of Octagon Africa. “We’re here to invest in people and the planet. Mathare Community Park is proof that lasting impact starts with local action.”
A Day of Impact and Joy
The morning began with the planting of indigenous trees across the park. But the impact didn’t stop there.
Volunteers from Octagon Kenya, Mto Wangu, and the Nairobi Rivers Commission spent the afternoon with children from the Good Samaritan Home—cooking chapatis, playing games, and sharing stories. The joy was palpable, the connections real.
Donations of food, clothing, school supplies, and hygiene essentials poured in, offering immediate relief and ongoing support to the home’s young residents.
Community Pride and a Citywide Vision
For Sharon Akinyi, Mto Wangu Initiative Coordinator, the collaboration marked a milestone.
“This tree planting not only strengthens our park’s ecosystem—it proves what’s possible when people come together. We’re proud to see our local effort now part of a citywide plan for green resilience.”
Building Greener, Stronger Communities
The day wasn’t just about trees—it was about trust. It was about showing up, giving back, and growing something that matters.
This event highlights Octagon Foundation’s unwavering commitment to climate action, social impact, and inclusive partnerships—turning corporate responsibility into community transformation.
And in Mathare, the roots of change are growing deeper every day.
About Octagon Foundation
Octagon Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Octagon Africa, a leading financial services provider across Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The Foundation champions social impact, education, environmental stewardship, and financial literacy in underserved communities.
About Mto Wangu Initiative
Mto Wangu Initiative is a grassroots organization based in Mathare, Nairobi. Focused on environmental reclamation, youth empowerment, and urban resilience, the group is best known for converting the former Mathare dumpsite into today’s thriving community park.