Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization (SCEJU)
Residents of informal settlements face challenges related to Sustainable Water & Waste Management despite constitutional guarantees. Youth and women living in these settlements bear the brunt but they lack the capacity and voice to influence policy in their favor.
Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization.
The Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization (SCEJU) project is a three-year action (2024-2027) Co-funded by the European Union and implemented by FriedrichEbert-Stiftung (FES-Kenya), the Civil Society Urban Development Platform (CSUDP), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). Targeting Kisumu, Nakuru and Makueni counties, the project aims to address persistent challenges that threaten sustainable water and waste management amongst the vulnerable urban communities, particularly women and youth.
6
Government Departments
Project Rationale & Objective
Rationale
Residents of informal settlements face challenges related to Sustainable Water & Waste Management despite constitutional guarantees. Youth and women living in these settlements bear the brunt but they lack the capacity and voice to influence policy in their favor..
Objective
The project’s main objectives is to; Strengthen responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative governance in matters of sustainable waste management and climate justice across Makueni, Kisumu, and Nakuru Counties. .
Challenge 1 - Policy
Lack of policies favorable to informal settlements and poor implementation of existing policies have resulted in the exclusion of informal settlements.
Challenge 2 - Capacity
Women and youth who are a majority of informal settlement residents lack the necessary capacities and facilitation to strengthen their voices and influence the policy decision-making process.
Challenge 3 - Voice
Limited awareness and civic engagement on the impact of climate change on SWWM.
The Project in Brief
To address the challenges of sustainable water and waste management in informal settlements, the project will focus on three main areas: policy, capacities, and voice.
Featured Online Course
This comprehensive online course provides insights into the principles and practices of sustainable waste management as well as sustainable water management.
Informal Water & Waste Management actors
LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR WASTE...
Focused on effective waste management which involves strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.
Informal Water & Waste Management actors
Institutional Framework and Relationships
Ensures availability, quality and equitable distribution of water resources for the current and future generation.
Target Groups
This course seeks to enhance knowledge, develop practical skills and sustainable change in communities.
4,500 youth and 6,000 women
are being trained to promote decent work and build climate resilience.
3,000 YOSUDA members
(Young Sustainable
Urbanization Digital Activists) members are actively advocating and participating in decision-making on sustainable water and waste management (SWWM).
JSUP
a civil society-led platform, aims to unify voices, reduce duplication, enhance influence, and provide
sustainable solutions for SWWM in informal settlements.
national & county government departments
Six national and county government departments are working to improve
institutional coherence, engagement, and compliance with SWWM policies and citizens’ demands.
We are the future
It is fundamental that we emphasize the importance of adopting sustainable waste management practices for a healthier planet
- Waste to energy solutions
- Educate and raise awareness
- Support legislations & policies
ABOUT SCEJU
Frequently Asked Questions
This section seeks to answer key questions about waste management and sustainable water management.
What is the SCEJU Project?
SCEJU stands for Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization. It is a three-year initiative co-funded by the European Union, implemented by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES-Kenya), the Civil Society Urban Development Platform (CSUDP), and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). The project focuses on empowering civil society, youth, and women to engage in sustainable urban development and climate-responsive water and waste management in Kenya’s informal settlements.
What is the main objective of SCEJU?
SCEJU aims to enhance the capacity of civil society actors to influence urban policy and drive action on climate justice, particularly in the areas of water and waste management. The broader goal is to contribute to inclusive, just, and climate-resilient urban development in Kenya.
Which counties does SCEJU operate in?
The project is active in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Makueni Counties—urban areas with significant informal settlements where water and waste infrastructure challenges intersect with climate vulnerabilities.
Who are the target groups of the project?
- TG1: Informal water actors (e.g., water vendors, kiosk operators)
- TG2: Informal waste actors (e.g., waste pickers, recyclers)
- TG3: Youth and women in informal settlements
- TG4: County-level civil society organizations
- TG5: National and county government officials involved in urban planning and environmental management
.
What are the main activities under SCEJU?
SCEJU implements a range of activities under four primary outputs:
- Capacity Building – through e-learning platforms, Training of Trainers (ToTs), and technical workshops.
- Policy Dialogue & Engagement – enabling civil society to participate in county planning processes.
- Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) – small grants and mentorship for community-based organizations.
- Digital Advocacy & Knowledge Sharing – including YoSUDA and online campaigns on water and waste issues.
What is the YoSUDA platform?
YoSUDA (Young Sustainable Urbanization Digital Activists) is an e-learning platform developed under SCEJU to train youth in digital advocacy, leadership, and urban sustainability. It provides interactive courses on climate justice, communication strategy, and sustainable water and waste practices. Learn more at scejulearning.com.
What is the TG1 & TG2 e-learning platform?
This platform is tailored to informal water and waste actors, offering courses in policy literacy, circular economy practices, environmental safety, and advocacy. It complements in-person ToT sessions and supports participants in building practical skills. Access it via scejulearning.com
How can I participate in SCEJU activities?
You can get involved by:
- Registering for our e-learning platforms (YoSUDA or TG1/TG2)
- Applying for trainings or local workshops in your county
- Following our digital campaigns on social media
- Joining public forums or stakeholder consultations when announced
BLOG & ARTICLES
Dedicated to exploring innovative and eco-friendly waste management practices offering tips, insights and solutions.