This archive report was first published on 30 August 2021.
On a patch of land in Nairobi's Dandora district, a remarkable transformation has taken place. What was once a dumping ground for the city's wealthier residents has been transformed into a thriving community garden, complete with avocado trees, a playground, and even a backdrop for music videos.
The garden, known as Mustard Seed, was the brainchild of Charles Gachanga, a 45-year-old resident who grew up in the neighbourhood. Gachanga, who is the CEO of the Dandora Transformation League, began working on the project in 2013 with three friends.
"We came and cleaned... We did not even have a penny," Gachanga recalled, highlighting the community's dedication to the project. "We just had that focus, we had that passion to see how we could transform our neighbourhood."
Today, the garden is not only a source of pride for the community but also a hub for creatives. Poets, musicians, and filmmakers have all been inspired by the garden's beauty and have used it as a backdrop for their work.
"It makes us feel like nature is still alive," said Javan Ofula, a poet who lives in Dandora and uses the gardens. For others, like producer James Macharia, the space is good for business as well as the soul.
"I have so many clients that want to shoot with me more because I have access to this place," Macharia said. As well as enjoying the fruit of the avocado harvest, some children have begun taking birdwatching classes as birds flock to the returned greenery.
August 6, 2021, marked a significant milestone for the garden, with an aerial view capturing its beauty. The garden's deputy, Evans Otieno, hopes that the garden will continue to inspire young people and provide a positive influence on their lives.
