Youth and women play a critical role in climate action and economic development, offering fresh ideas, local solutions, and the energy needed to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
Laikipia County Secretary, Koinange Wahome echoed these sentiments during the signing of a partnership agreement between the County Government of Laikipia and the Green Generation Initiative (GGI) in Nanyuki.
GGI is a Kenyan charity fostering prosperous, eco-conscious generations across Africa. It empowers children, youth, women, and communities through nature-based solutions, green innovations, investments, and policies for a sustainable future.
The deal, Koinange said, aims to tackle climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote environmental conservation across the region. He emphasized that empowering youth and women is not just a moral imperative but a smart investment in Laikipia’s future.
“We’re tapping into local potential by equipping young people and women with the tools, support, and space they need to lead climate action while driving meaningful economic growth in their communities,” he said.
The partnership will support the establishment of fruit and coffee nurseries in every Ward, managed by local youth groups, and are expected to boost agricultural productivity, generate employment.
Koinange noted that this collaboration is a practical expression of Laikipia County’s broader climate resilience strategy, anchored in the County Environment Action Plan (CEAP) 2025–2029 and the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) framework.
“This initiative is a game-changer. It aligns perfectly with our goals in advancing climate adaptation, promoting sustainable land use, and driving inclusive economic growth that benefits communities at every level,” he said.
Governor Joshua Irungu and GGI founder, Elizabeth Wathuti officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding, sealing a partnership grounded in green innovation and grassroots involvement.
Governor Irungu said the partnership marks a critical step in his administration’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable Laikipia County while also building a resilient community in addressing environmental challenges.
“This initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also provide local farmers with access to quality seedlings, enhancing agricultural productivity across the county,” noted while emphasizing that the project will restore degraded lands.
Wathuti announced that her organization plans to plant trees in around 430 schools this academic term. This week alone, she aims to cover 180 schools across six counties, growing a total of 72,000 trees by the end of the week
She added that the partnership would strengthen her work with schools, communities, and young people across the county to restore degraded land, water catchments and green schools, all while creating income generating opportunities for the communities and more young people.
“We’re especially excited about supporting fruit trees and coffee tree seedlings production across Laikipia County, not just to grow trees, but to also improve livelihoods. This collaboration brings climate action closer to the ground and to the people,” she noted