1. Breaking the Systemic “Educational Strangle
   A powerful recurring theme centered on Women and Inclusion Leadership in Sustainability. The discourse moved far beyond generic calls for “empowerment,” as speakers like Caroline from the Greenbelt Movement highlighted a critical barrier: the educational strangle. This systemic bottleneck often restricts brilliant women from advancing in STEM and energy sectors due to a lack of institutional support rather than a lack of capability.

From Mentorship to Sponsorship
The summit introduced a more aggressive catalyst for change: Sponsorship. While mentorship provides the map, sponsorship provides the key. It involves senior leaders using their social and political capital to open doors that are systemically locked. This approach was championed by trailblazers like Maggie in E-mobility and Nora from Drop Access, proving that when women lead, they prioritize community-centric solutions like solar-powered cold-chain storage—technologies that directly impact “last mile” food security and healthcare.

2. Sustainable Infrastructure and the “Multi-Modal City
   The infrastructure track shifted the focus from massive car-centric projects to the “Multi-model City” concept. The research presented was clear: the future of urban mobility isn’t more highways; it is an integrated ecosystem designed for the human experience.

The Hierarchy of Access
Non-Motorized Systems (NMS): Prioritizing safe walking and cycling paths. In a city where the majority walk to work, NMS is an economic justice choice.
Electric Mass Transit
The discussion on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and electric buses highlighted the “Particle Challenge”—the urgent need to reduce PM2.5 emissions in urban centers.
The Charging Infrastructure Layout
As seen in recent pilot projects, the layout of charging stations must be data-driven. Using IoT (Internet of Things) and Big Data, planners can predict “peak-load” times to ensure the grid remains stable while fueling the e-mobility revolution.

3. The AI-Driven “Nervous System” of the Grid
   In 2026, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from a luxury to a necessity, acting as the nervous system of Kenya’s modern grid. Predictive Maintenance has become a primary feature, utilizing sensors to detect potential transformer failures weeks before they occur, which has already reduced outages by an estimated 30%.
   Furthermore, the rise of Decentralized Microgrids allows rural communities to trade excess solar power via blockchain-enabled platforms, fostering local energy independence. The use of Digital Twins, virtual models of city infrastructure now allows planners to simulate climate impacts like extreme heat or flooding before breaking ground. However, this digital leap comes with a mandate for robust Data Protection. As energy systems become increasingly connected, the summit emphasized that privacy and cyber-resilience are the non-negotiable foundations of a smart city.
   
4. Circularity: The “Solar-preneur” and Battery Upcycling
   If there was a “rockstar” concept at the Sarit Centre, it was Circularity. We have moved past the “take-make-waste” model toward resource sovereignty. The summit showcased a brilliant ecosystem model: Empowering Africa’s ‘Solar-preneurs’ through Battery Upcycling.

The Upcycling Process :
Thousands of lithium batteries from solar home systems and EVs reach their “automotive end-of-life” while still retaining 70-80% capacity. Community-led labs take these units and upcycle them into high-quality, affordable power banks. This reduces toxic e-waste and provides clean energy at a cost 40% lower than new units. This model turns waste into a localized economic engine, led primarily by youth and women in the informal sector.

5. Financing the Green Transition: The “Chama” Evolution
   Innovation requires capital, and the summit addressed the Climate Finance gap by looking at indigenous solutions like Table Banking (Chamas). The proposal to “skill-ize” these traditional groups involves providing technical training so they can vet and invest in green projects. By doing so, a village Chama becomes a micro-venture capital firm for local solar-irrigation or waste-management ventures. This “Idea Clarity Clinic” approach ensures that projects are built on two pillars: Governance (transparent management) and Stewardship (long-term resource oversight).

6.Climate Resilient Architecture: The “Eco-Village”
Walking through the architectural exhibition, the focus was on the “Passive Design” of buildings. Whether in the planned Konza Technopolis or rural heritage zones, the buildings of 2026 are being designed to breathe.
Thermal Massing: Using materials that absorb heat during the day and release it at night.
Greywater Recycling: Integrated systems that treat and reuse water for urban farming and landscaping.
Natural Ventilation: Moving back to “heritage wisdom” with high ceilings and open corridors to ensure airflow in a warming climate.

7. The Climate Hackathon: Youth at the Helm
   The basement of the Sarit Centre was home to the Climate Hackathon, a high-intensity bridge between academia and industry. The winning team developed an app using Open Data and APIs to map real-time soil moisture, allowing smallholder farmers to save 50% more water through precision irrigation. Crucially, these teams included Law and Policy students to ensure that every technical solution was compliant with the Kenya Data Protection Act, proving that innovation must be legally sound to be sustainable.
   
   Conclusion: The Roadmap to 2030
   As the curtains fall on the 2nd International Energy and Sustainability Summit 2026, the legacy is clear. Africa is not a “blank slate” for foreign technology; it is a global laboratory for Inclusive Innovation.

The summit taught us that sustainability is a three-legged stool: it requires technical ingenuity (Innovation), a seat for everyone at the table (Inclusion), and a focus on the most vulnerable (Justice). From the battery-upcyclers to the AI architects, the message from Nairobi is this: The green transition is not a burden to be borne; it is the greatest economic opportunity of our century. We leave the Sarit Centre with a blueprint for a “Pretty Planet” built on the foundation of “Funkie Science.”

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Drawing from the expertise of over 60 specialists across 16 countries, the report reveals that since 1970, 411 million hectares of wetlands equivalent to over half a billion football fields have been lost. That’s a 22% global decline, with remaining wetlands continuing to degrade under mounting human and climate pressures. Without urgent action, one-fifth of the world’s remaining wetlands could vanish by 2050.

“Wetlands bankroll the planet, yet we’re still investing more in their destruction than in their recovery,” said Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands. “The world is sitting on a $10 trillion opportunity. Restoring wetlands could unlock these benefits but we’re running out of time.”

Wetlands: Small in Size, Massive in Value
Covering just 6% of Earth’s surface, wetlands punch far above their weight. They provide services that include clean water, food security, carbon storage, flood control, and biodiversity support services collectively valued between $7.98 trillion and $39.01 trillion per year. These ecosystems support a wide range of livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

Despite their importance, wetlands remain under threat particularly in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where their loss disproportionately impacts local food systems and water security.

“Wetlands are not a marginal issue. They are foundational to water security, climate resilience, and the health of billions of people,” said Dr. Hugh Robertson, Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel and lead author of the GWO 2025. “The scale of degradation is beyond what we can afford to ignore.”

Degradation More Dangerous Than Disappearance
While outright loss is alarming, the condition of existing wetlands is also deteriorating rapidly. The report finds that one in four remaining wetlands is in poor ecological health, with degradation outpacing conservation in most regions. The drivers are deeply interconnected: land-use change, pollution, hydrological disruption, invasive species, and climate change such as sea-level rise and prolonged drought are all contributing to a downward spiral.

These losses aren’t just environmental they’re deeply economic. The cumulative loss of wetland ecosystem services between 1975 and 2025 is estimated at $5.1 trillion, with inland marshes, peatlands, and lakes contributing most to the deficit.

Investment Gaps and the Cost of Inaction
While the need for large-scale restoration is clear, the economics point to a smarter path: conservation is significantly more cost-effective than restoration. Based on analysis of 49 studies across 185 sites, the annual cost of wetland restoration can range from $1,000 to over $70,000 per hectare, depending on the type and condition of the ecosystem. In contrast, preserving intact wetlands costs just a fraction of that.

To meet international biodiversity goals specifically Targets 2 and 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) the world must restore at least 123 million hectares of wetlands, and possibly more than 350 million hectares if degraded wetlands are factored in. Additionally, 428 million hectares must be protected through conservation or other effective area-based measures (OECMs).

However, the required investment of $275 to $550 billion per year dwarfs current spending levels. Today, biodiversity conservation across all ecosystems accounts for just 0.25% of global GDP.

Case Studies of Hope
Despite the alarming trends, the report offers hope through compelling examples. In Zambia’s Kafue Flats, a $300,000 restoration project helped re-establish seasonal flooding and control invasive species. Today, over $1 million is invested annually to sustain ecosystems that support 1.3 million people, including fisheries valued at $30 million per year.

In East and Southeast Asia, the Regional Flyway Initiative is mobilizing $3 billion to protect over 140 critical wetlands used by 50 million migratory waterbirds and nearly 200 million people. Early projects are already active in Cambodia and China.

Four Pathways to Turn the Tide
To reverse wetland loss and scale up solutions, GWO 2025 outlines four strategic pathways:

Integrate Wetland Value into Decision-Making
Adopt tools like natural capital accounting and Earth observation to make wetlands central to land-use, climate, and economic planning.

Recognize Wetlands as Water Infrastructure
Incorporate wetlands into global water strategies to strengthen climate resilience and reduce disaster risks.

Embed Wetlands in Financing Mechanisms
Leverage carbon markets, blue bonds, biodiversity credits, and payment for ecosystem services (PES) to unlock new funding.

Mobilize Public-Private Investment
Align public policies with wetland-friendly private investment, eliminate harmful subsidies, and scale nature-based solutions.

The Road Ahead
As the world prepares for COP15 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, later this month, GWO 2025 sends an unambiguous message: wetlands are not optional environmental features, but essential ecosystems whose survival underpins human prosperity and planetary health.

“We know what works, and we have the tools,” said Dr. Robertson. “But time is running out. Wetlands can’t wait—and neither can we.”

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At the heart of the summit’s announcements was a continental initiative to mobilize $50 billion a year for Africa-made climate solutions. According to a draft seen by Reuters, the plan will be anchored by a new Africa Climate Innovation Compact and an African Climate Facility, targeting 1,000 deployable solutions by 2030. In parallel, African development financiers and commercial lenders signaled a separate drive to mobilize $100 billion for green power generation, underscoring energy access as a foundation for climate-resilient growth. 

The finance gap loomed large. Despite record interest in renewables, particularly solar, Africa still receives a fraction of what it needs for climate adaptation, with recent analyses and leaders at the summit warning that adaptation funding remains far below the continent’s requirements. There still remains a surging solar imports and the stark reality that Africa accounted for just 4% of global solar generation last year, while a report launched during the week estimated only ~$15 billion in adaptation finance reached the continent in 2023, far short of the $70 billion+ needed annually. 

Beyond balance sheets, political signals mattered. The African Union and host government cast ACS2 as an inflection point: a pivot to Africa-led solutions, investment-first rhetoric, and practical pathways that pair mitigation with development—grid expansion, distributed solar, climate-smart agriculture, water security, and nature-based solutions. The AU’s opening note framed the summit under the theme “Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” while the Addis Ababa Declaration’s adoption on September 10 provided the formal vehicle for Africa’s message to COP30. 

Still, the week exposed fault lines over how to raise money. Civil society networks cautioned against top-down carbon market schemes, urging that any carbon revenues “cascade” to grassroots custodians of forests, rangelands, and water systems. Their message echoed a persistent critique: market tools must be paired with safeguards and equitable benefit-sharing to avoid repeating extractive models. 

Several headline developments will shape the road to Belém:

• $50 billion/year Africa Climate Solutions initiative (Innovation Compact + Climate Facility), aimed at accelerating homegrown technologies and business models.  
• $100 billion green power investment drive coordinated by African development finance institutions and commercial lenders.  
• Addis Ababa Declaration adopted as the political spine of Africa’s negotiating stance for COP30, calling for finance system reforms and a step-change in adaptation support.  
• Emphasis on energy access—with leaders linking climate action to closing Africa’s electricity deficit for more than 600 million people.  
• A sharpened push for climate justice, with leaders warning that broken pledges undermine resilience and trust.  

What happens next will determine whether Addis marks a rhetorical high point or a turning point. Analysts note that Africa’s green economy is showing momentum; solar imports are rising and pipeline projects are maturing. But deal execution hinges on reducing project risk, lowering the cost of capital, and building bankable pipelines at speed. Without large-scale, predictable grant and concessional flows, especially for adaptation, private capital will not fill the gap on its own. 

For now, ACS2 has reset expectations: Africa intends to arrive at COP30 with a consolidated platform and a portfolio of concrete projects seeking de-risked finance. The test over the coming weeks will be translating new compacts and declarations into signed term sheets, shovel-ready infrastructure, and climate resilience that reaches farms, towns, and informal settlements across the continent.

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In areas like Magadi and Oldonyonyokie, land once used for communal grazing has been targeted for carbon offset projects, often without proper consultation or understanding among the locals. This has exposed them to exploitation, misinformation, and broken promises, sparking concern about a new form of colonization masked as climate action.

As the community fights to reclaim its voice and protect its ancestral lands, the conversation around carbon credits is no longer just environmental—it’s deeply cultural, historical, and political.

1. Historical Land Injustices in Oldonyonyokie and Magadi

In the early 1990s, significant tracts of land in areas like Oldonyonyokie and Magadi were sold off, culminating in official transactions by 2004. These sales often occurred without the informed consent of the local communities. Promised compensations were either delayed or never materialized, and many community members found themselves removed from registries that were meant to ensure their participation in the benefits of these deals. Furthermore, loans tied to these land transactions became burdensome, leading to financial hardships for many. These events have left lasting scars and a deep sense of mistrust towards governmental and corporate entities involved in land dealings.

2. Carbon Credits: A New Frontier of Exploitation?

The concept of carbon credits, while globally touted as a solution to climate change, has introduced new challenges for the Maa community. Companies like Soils for the Future Africa have initiated carbon offset projects in regions like Magadi, often without adequately informing or involving the local communities. These projects have imposed grazing patterns that are incompatible with traditional Maasai pastoralist practices, leading to disruptions in their way of life. Moreover, promises of land titles and employment opportunities have largely gone unfulfilled, echoing past patterns of exploitation. This situation has been described as a form of modern colonization, where communities are subtly coerced into agreements that do not serve their best interests.

3. Community Engagement and Resistance

Despite these challenges, the Maa community is demonstrating resilience and a growing awareness of their rights. Educated members within the community are playing a pivotal role in disseminating information about climate markets, land rights, and the potential benefits of carbon credits when managed transparently and equitably. There is a concerted effort to ensure that any engagement with carbon credit schemes includes fair compensation, respect for traditional practices, and genuine community involvement.

4. The Role of Advocates and Media

Journalists and activists have been instrumental in bringing these issues to the forefront. For instance, Lynn Ngugi has produced content highlighting the plight of the Maasai community in the face of land and environmental injustices. Her work has shed light on the complexities of these issues, amplifying the voices of those affected and fostering broader public discourse.

The take away
The journey towards justice and equitable treatment for the Maa community is ongoing. However, the increasing awareness, community mobilization, and advocacy efforts signal a promising shift towards reclaiming rights and ensuring that future engagements, especially in areas like carbon trading, are conducted with transparency, fairness, and respect for indigenous practices.

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Unveiled during the 6th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), the logo draws inspiration from the Inírida flower, an endemic species in Colombia. Additionally, the host country’s chosen slogan for COP 16, “Peace with Nature,” was introduced during the event.

“This is a flower that never dies, its petals never fall apart. We hope that the COP 16 in Colombia can help the world to make peace with nature, so that we can sustain and maintain life on the planet forever,” H.E Susana Muhamad said.

Here are three important messages that the COP 16 logo and slogan convey:

1.    The Biodiversity Plan constitutes an indivisible whole

The petals represent the 23 targets of the Biodiversity Plan and the 13 ecoregions of Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The color palette symbolizes three pathways for action—reduce threats, meet people’s needs, and develop tools and solutions—and the need for synergies.

“The eloquent logo featuring the Inírida flower speaks volumes of the beauty and diversity of Colombia. Under the theme of Peace with Nature, COP 16 will bring the world together to promote and support the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan,” David Cooper said at the logo unveiling event.

2.    It is time to make peace with nature for the sake of planet and people

The creative team that produced the emblem considers Inírida as a symbol of “reconciliation, joy and union of Colombians to advance the most important international environmental event in the history of the country”.

The symbolism of the iconography echoes the United Nations Secretary-General’s call to make peace with nature, as he referred to how our consumption and production systems are destroying the environment.

The Inírida flower grows nowhere else but Colombia, but the message encapsulated in the emblem will reverberate beyond the Host Country’s national borders, highlighting the importance of environmental multilateralism. In an increasingly fractured world, global environmental accords show that it is still possible for the world to work together to help forge a sustainable future through multilateralism.

3.    Biodiversity is a bulwark against the triple environmental crisis afflicting our world

Poetic references to Inírida as the “eternal flower” abound. They emanate from the plant’s remarkable ability to withstand extreme weather and to survive both floods and spells of drought. Thus, the COP 16 emblem tells a story of resilience at a time when the world grapples with the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Climate change is pushing ecosystems to their adaptation limits and provoking an unprecedented rate of biodiversity loss. This, in turn, threatens food security and undermines adaptation efforts. COP 16 will address biodiversity protection and restoration as an essential dimension of climate action.

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Now in its second edition, the intensive training, focused on the challenges of climate change, a collaborative endeavour between the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), German International Cooperation (GIZ) Kenya, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

The workshop tackled the complex relationship between urbanisation and climate change, examining the challenges and opportunities that arise as cities expand and grapple with the effects of a warming planet. 

Abel Omanga, project advisor at GIZ Kenya, emphasised the vital role of urban green spaces in mitigating climate change, stating, “All vegetation in the counties is to help with carbon sink. Trees have the natural abilities to trap carbon in the air.”

This highlighted the significance of nature-based solutions, such as urban forests and parks, in combating the urban heat island effect, reducing air pollution, and absorbing carbon dioxide.

Temesi Mukani, Communication Director at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, underscored the unique opportunity for journalists to make a significant impact in the current climate action landscape.

He urged reporters to sharpen their pitching skills, emphasising the need to frame stories in a compelling and engaging manner to capture the attention of both decision-makers and the general public.

Communication Director at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Temesi Mukani.

Mukani stressed that effective communication plays a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilising support, and driving meaningful action on climate change.

The workshop also focused on the art of storytelling in climate change reporting. KEG member Ellen Wanjiru emphasised that journalists should strive to go beyond merely reporting on the problems caused by climate change. 

She encouraged reporters to offer insights into potential solutions, strategies for adaptation, and examples of resilience in the face of climate challenges. “A good flow of a story will attract the consumer,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of crafting narratives that resonate with audiences and inspire them to engage with the issue.

The cornerstone of the workshop is the Climate Change Reporting curriculum, a comprehensive guide developed jointly by GIZ Kenya and the Ministry of Environment. 

This curriculum equips journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to report accurately and effectively on the multifaceted aspects of climate change.

It covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the scientific underpinnings of climate change to its far-reaching social, economic, and environmental consequences. 

Additionally, it explores potential solutions, mitigation strategies, and the importance of adaptation in building resilience to the impacts of climate change.

This training series represents a significant investment in enhancing the capacity of Kenyan media to report on climate change comprehensively and responsibly. 

The partnership between KEG, GIZ Kenya, and the Ministry of Environment proved the commitment of these organisations to empower journalists to play a pivotal role in raising awareness, informing the public, and shaping the national conversation on climate change.

The workshop will continue to unfold with in-depth discussions, interactive sessions, and practical exercises designed to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge they need to report on climate change with accuracy, depth, and impact. It is hoped that this training will not only enhance the quality of climate change reporting in Kenya but also contribute to a more informed and engaged public discourse on this critical issue.

Members of Kenya Editors Guild.

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It is becoming increasingly urgent to integrate environmental sustainability into the structural transformation process. Concurrently, the global employment outlook for young individuals remains uncertain, with youths being 3.2 times more likely to face unemployment compared to adults.

Exploring the contents of the Solutions for Youth Employment Note, specifically the discussion on the Blue Economy and its impact on structural transformation and youth employment, it emphasizes the sustainable utilization of marine resources for economic advancement, enhanced livelihood prospects, and job creation that safeguards the well-being of ocean ecosystems.

Through the concept of the blue economy, economic development can be expedited, ensuring sustained and inclusive growth opportunities for the younger generation.

Here are four ways in which the blue economy can propel advancements towards both economic prosperity and environmental objectives:

1. Navigating the Economic Seas

The prosperity of global oceans contributes to economic progress and plays a vital role in maintaining enduring prosperity. Oceans serve as a critical component for various commercial activities, generating approximately $6 trillion (about 10% of the world’s GDP) in annual global revenue and facilitating the transportation of 80% of internationally traded goods. Projections indicate that this economic value is set to double by 2030.

Furthermore, oceans are a significant source of employment, with over 3 billion individuals, including some of the world’s impoverished populations, relying on healthy oceans for their livelihoods, creating more than 350 million direct and indirect jobs. Healthy oceans not only promote sustainability goals but also aid in climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, and marine biodiversity preservation.

2. Empowering Youth Through the Blue Economy’s Structural Revitalization

The blue economy serves as a cornerstone in instigating continuous structural transformation, aiding in the seamless transition of young individuals from education to the workforce. With the increase in GDP per capita, job roles become more specialized, efficient, and concentrated in urban areas. Economic production gradually becomes more centered around specific firms, leading individuals to specialize in more intricate tasks.

The activities within the blue economy are instrumental in this progression. As nations advance, the focus of employment shifts from less productive endeavors like traditional farming to higher-yield aquatic food activities such as fisheries and aquaculture. This transition is particularly significant for young job seekers.

3. Empowering Youth Through Lucrative Opportunities in the Blue Economy

The blue economy offers significant opportunities for youth in developing nations. Fisheries typically provide more competitive wages than agriculture, especially in lower-income countries. Young individuals make up a larger proportion of the workforce in fisheries compared to adults, with youth employment rates in fisheries and aquaculture exceeding those of adults.

Additionally, ocean-based economies present beneficial job prospects for youth from rural and less-skilled backgrounds, even during non-peak seasons, fostering a path towards more inclusive economic growth. While advancements like digitalization and automation have increased the skill demands in the sector, they also have the potential to enhance productivity within the blue economy, opening doors for youth eager to acquire modern digital skills.

4. Strategies for Maximizing Employment Opportunities

Effective coordination, supported by accurate data, is crucial for maximizing the employment opportunities within the blue economy and tackling emerging obstacles. Despite the potential of sectors like fisheries within the blue economy to drive structural transformation, they often receive less attention than primary industries such as agriculture due to insufficient data and analysis outlining the sector’s job creation and growth potential.

Challenges hindering youth employment in the blue economy sector include limited understanding of career pathways and challenging business environments. The evolving skill requirements of both traditional and emerging blue economy sectors have led to skill gaps that current technical and vocational education and training systems have yet to address.

A comprehensive strategy is essential to fully realizing the sector’s potential. This strategy should encompass policy interventions focused on:  enhancing the analysis of youth employment data, bridging skill gaps in blue economy sectors, enhancing the appeal and awareness of blue economy careers among youth and fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation within the blue economy.

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Benson Abila, founder of M-Taka, and Elizabeth Okullow, founder of Agriboom, were among the inaugural cohort members representing Kenya. Their unique ventures aim at addressing food security, sustainable supply chains, and resilient food systems.

This collaborative regional leadership development program by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo, and D-Prize involved the entrepreneurs in a comprehensive 9-month training program after which six of the most promising enterprises will each receive a catalytic seed grant of USD $15,000, provided by the PepsiCo Foundation.

“The journey the Pamoja fellows have been on over the past nine months—both as individuals and as a cohort—has been truly remarkable,” Roshan Paul, IREX’s Leadership Practice Director, said. “Each has excelled with the challenging curriculum, and more importantly, accelerated their venture’s trajectory to impact.”

In reiteration, C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, added that what makes this program different from other accelerators is the backing of one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies and a renowned global NGO committed to catalyzing sustained connections and shared learning experiences that will ultimately fuel pathways to prosperity for these leaders and their communities.

He emphasized that “The Pamoja Founders Project is an investment in a more food-secure and resilient future for Africa.”

Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, access to professional networks, and crucial funding opportunities, the program empowered these young entrepreneurs to scale their ventures. The cohort has undergone personal and professional growth, equipped with essential tools to amplify their impact within their sectors and markets.

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President William Ruto launched this national tree planting campaign in December 2022, emphasizing the importance of planting trees in urban and rural areas, and promoting reforestation, agroforestry, and afforestation.

The goal of the campaign is to grow 15 billion trees and raise the nation’s forest and tree cover percentage from 12% to 30% by 2032 , with the aim of combating the devastating effects of climate change in Kenya. The tree planting exercise was spearheaded by the Managing Trustee, Mohammed Sahal in collaboration with the Ngong Hills community and was joined by the PCF staff members.

From left, Mr. Deberious Sikuku, PCF Board of Trustee, Mr. Mohammed Sahal, Managing Trustee of PCF, and Dr. Ben Kajwang MBS, PCF Board of Trustee, plant a tree during the PCF tree planting exercise held in Ngong Forest on 17th May 2024.

“In our strategic plan the Fund has identified environmental sustainability as a key accelerator to achieve overall strategic objectives. We are thrilled by the participation and support we received from the Ngong Hills community for this initiative. Witnessing the community come together with such  dedication truly showcased our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Their passion and energy underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges and fostering a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.” said Mohammed Sahal, Managing Trustee, PCF.

During the event, participants received guidance on proper tree planting techniques and the maintenance of trees. Through hands-on involvement, they gained valuable insights into the crucial role trees play in mitigating climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the quality of the air.

“Our collaboration with the Ngong Hills community underscores PCF’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond our core mandate,” added Dr Ben Kajwang, Representing the Board Chairman. “Together, we planted the seeds for a greener, healthier future for generations to come.”

The success of the tree planting initiative reflects the Fund’s broader initiatives that benefit the communities it serves. This initiative marks a significant step towards a greener Kenya, and the Fund is proud to be a driving force in this positive change.

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