Kampala Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (KESSD) was founded in 2019 by four visionary individuals, each bringing unique expertise and a shared commitment to the sustainable development of Kampala. The organization was born out of a desire to address critical challenges facing the city, including road infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of street children.
The founding team includes two brothers, each with a strong professional background. Itembe Huzhaifa, a key player in the tourism industry through his company, Voyage Balquees Limited, brings valuable insights into sustainable tourism and community engagement. His brother, Ittembe Ismail, who leads Isazeni Solutions, contributes his extensive experience in the ICT sector, driving innovative solutions for the city's development challenges.
Joining them are two dynamic businesswomen who have also played crucial roles in establishing KESSD. Abooki Natasha Shalot, with five years of experience as a procurement officer, brings her expertise in resource management and operations. Sharifah Nabukenya, a successful merchandise trader in Kampala, adds her entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of local commerce to the team.
Together, this diverse and skilled group formed KESSD with the mission to create a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant Kampala. Their combined efforts focus on improving road infrastructure, enhancing environmental stewardship, and providing street children with education and opportunities to contribute to the city's development.
Vision:
"To create a vibrant and sustainable urban environment in Kampala, where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive, and the city is a model of environmental stewardship and inclusive development."
Mission:
"To foster positive change in Kampala by actively engaging in road infrastructure improvement, environmental conservation, and, most importantly, by providing a comprehensive education and skills training platform for street children from primary to tertiary levels. Through hands-on learning, we aim to empower these children with the knowledge and skills needed to build a brighter future for themselves and contribute to the sustainable development of the city."
Objectives:
- Establish a Comprehensive School for Street Children:
- Develop and operate a school that provides primary, secondary, and tertiary education for street children.
- Ensure a curriculum that combines academic learning with practical, hands-on skills training.
- Road Infrastructure Improvement:
- Collaborate with local authorities to identify and address potholes in town roads, contributing to safer and more accessible urban transportation.
- Green Kampala Initiative:
- Implement projects focused on making Kampala greener, including tree planting, urban gardening, and beautification efforts.
- Raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable practices among residents.
- Community Engagement and Inclusion:
- Actively involve the community in the organization's initiatives, seeking input and participation in environmental projects and educational programs.
- Foster a sense of inclusion and shared responsibility among residents for the betterment of the city.
- Partnerships and Sustainable Funding:
- Establish partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and international organizations to secure funding and resources for school operations and infrastructure improvement projects.
- Develop sustainable funding models, including income-generating initiatives, to ensure the long-term viability of the organization and its projects.