Three members of the Riviera Travel team recently visited Kenya as part of a joint waste management project with development charity Practical Action.
Rob Snelson, chief technology officer; Will Sarson, product director; and Belle Whitehurst, channels marketing executive, travelled to Practical Action’s Nairobi office, before heading to Kisumu.
The operator’s team and Practical Action worked with the community and informal waste workers to clear a section of the Auji River, which is often wrongly used for waste disposal.
The Riviera trio explored different parts of the river, following its flow to Lake Victoria, to better understand the communities affected by the water quality and importance of keeping it clean.
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Riviera’s project with Practical Action will work with more than 2,000 households and 100 waste workers to create long-term solutions for waste management in Nairobi.
Earlier this year, the operator launched the ‘Riviera Races to Kisumu’ initiative, with team members taking part in a virtual sponsored challenge to run, walk, swim and cycle the distance from their head office in Burton on Trent to Kisumu, a total of 6,340 miles.
Snelson said: “It’s vital that we do all we can to help protect the destinations we visit and support sustainable solutions.
“Our visit to Kenya demonstrated what can be achieved when people come together as a force for good.
“On behalf of everyone at Riviera, I’d like to extend our gratitude to Practical Action and the local communities in Kisumu. It was a truly transformational experience and something I’ll never forget.”
Naman Nyabinda, waste management officer at Practical Action, added: “It was wonderful hosting the Riviera Travel team to show them first-hand experiences of how our partnership is making a difference.
“Together, we are transforming waste management challenges into opportunities for people in Kisumu’s low-income areas where the Auji River passes. We look forward to deepening this important partnership.”
The Kisumu initiative is part of Riviera’s wider Doing the Right Thing plan, which features four key pillars: sustainability, managing carbon footprint, operating ethically and charitable contributions.
Key pledges include reducing guests’ carbon footprint by 20% by 2028, and a commitment to raise significant charity funds by donating £1 per guest booked from 2024 onwards, as well as encouraging staff and corporate donations.
