Today, my scars are still there, but my life looks very different.

For a long time, I believed self-harm was part of me forever. I couldn’t imagine coping with sadness, anger, or grief without turning to something that would physically reflect the pain I felt inside. When people told me things would get better, I didn’t believe them.

Grief had changed me.

Losing my mother left a silence in my life that nothing seemed able to fill. She had been the one person who checked on me every day, the one person who understood me without explanations. When she passed away, it felt like the ground beneath my feet had disappeared.

For months, I carried that emptiness everywhere.

But healing did not come all at once. It came slowly, in ways I didn’t even notice at first.

Therapy was one of the first steps. At the beginning, I resisted it. I felt like no one could understand the depth of my pain or the bond I had shared with my mother. But session by session, I began to see things differently. Therapy didn’t erase my grief, but it gave me tools to sit with it instead of running from it.

I also began to replace old habits with new ones.

Whenever the urge to self-harm came, I started doing small things to redirect my mind. Sometimes I would go outside for a walk, letting the air clear my thoughts. Other times I would listen to music and allow myself to cry without shame. Reading books and listening to podcasts slowly became part of my routine.

None of these things worked perfectly every time, but together they created a different path for me.

For the first time in years, I began to realize that pain could exist without destroying me.

The journey has not been easy. There are still days when grief returns unexpectedly. There are moments when I miss my mother so deeply that it feels like the loss just happened yesterday. Certain songs, places, or memories can suddenly take me back.

But the difference now is that I no longer respond with self-destruction.

Instead, I allow myself to feel.

I talk about her. I remember the lessons she taught me. I hold on to the love we shared rather than the pain of losing her.

Another thing I have learned over the past two years is that healing is not a straight line. Some days feel strong and hopeful, while others feel heavy and uncertain. But progress is not about never falling; it is about learning how to rise again.

I have also realized that the scars on my body are not something to hide from the world anymore. They are reminders of a younger version of myself who was trying to survive in the only way she knew how.

Those scars tell a story—not just of pain, but of resilience.

Two years later, I am still learning who I am without the weight of self-harm controlling my life. I am discovering healthier ways to process my emotions, and slowly building a life that my younger self could not imagine.

Most importantly, I have learned something I wish I had known earlier:

Pain deserves compassion, not punishment.

If someone reading this is struggling the way I once did, I want you to know that healing is possible even when it feels impossible. You may not see the change immediately and the journey may feel slow, but every step forward matters.

Two years ago, I thought my story would end in darkness.

Today, I am still here.

Still healing.
Still growing.
Still learning how to live.

And sometimes, that is the greatest victory of all.”

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Starting With Ourselves
We began with something simple but surprisingly deep. We were asked to share one thing we’d like to change about ourselves, and three things we love about ourselves.
At first, people laughed nervously. It’s easier to joke than to be honest. But slowly, the room softened. Some talked about overthinking. Others mentioned procrastination, anger, fear of failure. And then came the good parts being resilient, being loyal, being hardworking, being kind.
It felt powerful hearing people speak positively about themselves without downplaying it. For once, no one said, “It’s not a big deal.” We just owned it.

The Hard Conversation
Later, we talked about the ongoing issue of the Russian man who filmed several women without their consent. The conversation was intense. While he is reportedly still free in Russia, Ghana has charged him and made it clear that if he ever steps into Ghana, he’ll face their laws and even risk losing his passport.
That discussion hit differently. We talked about consent, safety, and how unfair it feels when justice looks different depending on where you are. It wasn’t just about one man. It was about women feeling unsafe. It was about accountability. It was about how situations like that affect mental health more than people realize.
You could feel that everyone cared. It wasn’t just noise it was real concern.

Mental Health and Student Leadership
As more students filled the hall, those running for positions on the school board shared their manifestos. Surprisingly, they all said something similar: we are neglecting mental health.
Hearing student leaders openly talk about depression and suicide on campus was sobering. It’s one thing to hear statistics online. It’s another to hear it in a room full of your peers.
It reminded us why the Mental Health Club even exists in the first place.

Games, Laughter, and a Little Chaos
After the serious talks, we needed energy and we got it.
Charades had people acting out the most dramatic scenes. “Kenya at Fifty” turned competitive very fast. Somehow, the group that called themselves Youthing ended up winning and of course they made sure everyone knew it.
Then we played Mafia (the tech version). At first, most of us were confused. Who is lying? Who do you trust? Why is everyone looking suspicious? But in the middle of the chaos, I realized something it’s okay not to understand everything immediately. And sometimes, trusting people you just met isn’t as scary as it seems.

The Balloon Moment
If I had to pick the most meaningful part of the day, it would be the balloons.
We each wrote something we wanted to let go of fear, guilt, pressure, heartbreak, anxiety on a balloon. Then we popped them.
It sounds simple. But when all those balloons started bursting one after the other, it felt symbolic. Like we were choosing, even if just for that moment, not to carry certain weights anymore.

Game Night and Real Bonding
Later that evening, Youthing held a game night with the Embu team. That’s when things became even more real. The official program was over, so everyone relaxed.
There was dancing (some good, some questionable). There was singing loud singing. There was a lot of food. Conversations got deeper. Jokes got sillier. At some point, it didn’t feel like a collaboration anymore. It felt like family.

Rain at G Falls
Sunday morning, we went to G Falls. The place was beautiful, but what made it special was the energy.
The ladies were completely themselves laughing loudly, playing freely, not caring about appearances. The guys just stood there at some point, watching and laughing too. It was wholesome.
Then the rain started pouring.
Instead of running, we stayed. We played in it. We slipped, we screamed, we laughed. It felt like we were kids again.
At one point, the car got stuck in the mud. It looked dramatic for a second. But the guys stepped out immediately and pushed while everyone else cheered and laughed. Mud everywhere. But eventually, the car moved.
Teamwork at its finest.

Going Home
When it was time to say goodbye, it felt too soon. There’s always that quiet moment before everyone leaves when you realize something special happened.
We didn’t just attend an event.
We connected.
We had hard conversations.
We laughed until we were tired.

We stood in the rain.
And somehow, through all of that, our mental health felt a little lighter.
A good time was definitely had. But more than that, something meaningful was built and I don’t think any of us will forget it anytime soon.

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Filmmakers Hangout has grown into a key fixture in Kenya’s creative calendar by providing space for collaboration, skill-sharing, and industry engagement. The introduction of TUFA signals an important step toward recognising new voices in the film sector and opening more opportunities for young filmmakers to showcase their work on a national stage.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

The 2025 edition featured screenings of the top nine shortlisted films selected from 37 submissions received from across Kenya. A professional jury from the Kenya Film Commission evaluated the entries. The live audience also played a role by casting votes in real time through the Filmlytic platform.

The awards ceremony highlighted three outstanding filmmakers who collectively received cash prizes totalling KSh 100,000. The event included creative discussions, networking sessions, industry insights, and entertainment that brought together a vibrant community of storytellers.

A Growing Creative Movement

Organisers reported more than 800 attendees, a number that reflects the expanding interest in local filmmaking and the increasing demand for youth-driven storytelling. Media outlets such as KBC, SPM Buzz, GBS TV, and several digital platforms covered the event and helped expand the visibility of emerging talent.

Championing Kenya’s Next Generation of Storytellers

The introduction of TUFA reflects a wider momentum within Kenya’s creative sector. There irwows an increasing need for platforms that elevate new talent and invest in skills development. Many participants and industry observers noted that supporting emerging filmmakers is essential for sustaining a sector that represents Kenya’s diverse identities, experiences, and narratives.

As Filmmakers Hangout grows, expectations are rising that TUFA will develop into a flagship award for early-stage filmmakers. The initiative is seen as a way to encourage fresh voices, innovative storytelling, and deeper participation in the country’s film ecosystem.

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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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What began as a small youth-led initiative has grown into a national movement working to elevate the dignity, safety, and well-being of children living with their incarcerated mothers in Kenya’s women’s prisons. These children, collectively referred to as CoIP—Children of Incarcerated Parents, are among the most invisible and unprotected groups in the justice system

FreedomWithinKE focuses on children under the age of four who are legally allowed to live in prison with their mothers, while also advocating for children left behind in the community – many of whom face neglect, stigma, disrupted education, and long-term emotional harm. The organization champions a basic truth that guides all its work: Dignity is a right, not a privilege even behind bars.

A Visit That Shifted Perspectives

During a recent visit to Murang’a Women’s Prison, it became clear that while systemic challenges persist, there exists a deep willingness among the staff and officers to engage with partners who value dignity and humane care. Their openness allowed volunteers to see the day-to-day realities of incarceration, particularly for mothers caring for infants in extremely constrained environments.

Partnerships Rooted in Youth Leadership

FreedomWithinKE was founded by young people and intentionally partners with youth-led organizations to nurture future servant leaders who understand justice, compassion, and community responsibility.

Key partners include;

• Rotaract Club of Murang’a University
• Kenya Red Cross – Murang’a Youth
• Embu Rotaract Youth
• Red Cross Youth in Embu
• Tipwa Tipwa (a wellness-focused youth group)
• The broader Rotary and Rotaract community across Kenya

These partnerships demonstrate that young people are not just observers — they are active contributors in rehabilitation, advocacy, and community care. As FreedomWithinKE puts it,“Leadership is not a title — it is the courage to show up where humanity needs you most.”

Material Support: A Practical Expression of Dignity

During the Murang’a outreach, FreedomWithinKE and its partners donated:

• Diapers
• Baby clothes
• Hygiene products
• Food items
• Towels
• Sanitary pads
• Toiletries

These items address immediate needs, but more importantly, they affirm dignity a core value for both mother and child. A clean towel, a fresh diaper, or nutritious food communicates a powerful message, “You matter. Your child matters.”

Long-Term Infrastructure for Dignity: The Embu Mother & Child Unit

One of FreedomWithinKE’s most transformative projects is underway in Embu. They are crdating Kenya’s first-ever dedicated Mother and Child Accommodation Unit inside a correctional facility.

In partnership with the Triad Foundation and Triad Architects, this pioneering initiative aims to provide:

• Modern, child-friendly sleeping quarters
• A safe day-care and play area
• Sanitation and laundry facilities
• Lactation and nutrition support spaces
• Clean, dignified living conditions for infants and mothers

This unit represents a historic step toward humanizing Kenya’s correctional environment and FreedomWithinKE is still actively fundraising to bring the project to completion.

Why This Work Matters: Policy, Rights, and Justice

FreedomWithinKE’s mission aligns with both Kenyan and international frameworks that protect women and children affected by incarceration:

• Kenya’s 2022 Childcare Policy for Children of Incarcerated Parents
• UN Bangkok Rules on the treatment of women prisoners
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• Nelson Mandela Rules on dignity in detention

For a powerful insight into the origins of this movement, readers are encouraged to watch Shakinar Mutulili’s TEDx Talk:

“The Spirit of Social Justice”

At the time she delivered this talk, the 2022 Childcare Policy did not yet exist underscoring the leadership role young Kenyans have played in shaping national conversations on dignity and justice.

Beyond the Prison Walls: A Call to Action

Supporting mothers in prison is not charity. It is justice, dignity, and nation-building.

FreedomWithinKE envisions a future where:

• Every mother leaving prison receives emotional support and a care package
• Children of incarcerated parents are protected, not forgotten
• Youth groups continue to step into spaces that society avoids
• Policy reform is grounded in humanity, data, and lived experience
• Kenyan prisons become environments where rehabilitation, not suffering, defines the system

As the organization boldly states, “When we restore dignity to a mother, we restore hope to a child  and hope is the beginning of transformation.”

Get Involved

You can support this mission through:

1. Donations (especially towards the Embu Mother & Child Unit)
2. Volunteering
3. Youth group partnerships
4. Sharing stories, raising awareness, and watching the TEDx Talk
5. Following their work on Instagram: @freedomwithinke

The post Freedom Within KE: Restoring Dignity, Safety, and Hope for Children Living With Their Incarcerated Mothers appeared first on .

The Toll of the Finance Bill 2024

When the Finance Bill 2024 was introduced, Kevin didn’t think much would change. But it did fast. The cost of everyday items shot up. His freelance earnings, already taxed, now had extra deductions from NSSF, NHIF, and the proposed housing levy. The same government that once promised opportunity was now chipping away at his net income.

And then came the news: HELB loan recovery would be intensified money he had long accepted as a necessary debt for his education was now haunting his payslips.

Financial Discipline? Easier Said Than Done

Kevin wants to save. He really does. But how do you put money aside when you’re budgeting between rent, transport, food, data bundles (a basic need, honestly), and still have the audacity to want to live a little?

He’s tried budgeting apps, setting M-Shwari limits, and even joined a chama with friends. Still, emergencies crop up sick parents, broken laptops, black tax and the savings vanish.

The Guilt of Enjoying Life

“Bro, you’re broke why are you at Blankets & Wine?” That guilt-trip is real. But Kevin knows that if he doesn’t take time to recharge, burnout will come knocking. Fun shouldn’t be a crime. Still, balancing fun and finances is a constant tightrope walk.

A Simple Saving Plan That Works

Kevin recently adopted the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% for needs (rent, bills, food)

• 30% for wants (leisure, outings)

• 20% for savings and debt

It’s not perfect some months are rough but it helps him track his flow. He also opened a locked savings account and set auto-deposit for a weekly amount of 1000. This helped him build an emergency fund without even noticing it.

He’s also started reading up on financial literacy, watching YouTube videos, following budget-friendly creators, and attending trainings this helped him understand financial discipline more.

Reclaiming Control

For Kevin, financial literacy isn’t about being rich it’s about being intentional. Knowing where his money goes, questioning every deduction, staying politically aware, and finding strength in the community.

He’s part of a growing youth wave one that is not only protesting exploitative policies but also learning, sharing resources, and rebuilding trust in themselves.

In a country where inflation bites harder than hope, Kevin is still standing. His story mirrors thousands of others who are tired but not defeated. Financial literacy isn’t just about money it’s about survival, resilience, and rewriting the Kenyan dream.

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The gathering brought together students from across the city to reflect on the critical issues shaping their futures with dialogues on three key pillars of student development: mental wellness, financial literacy, and leadership.

In his opening remarks, Chris King’ori, YMCA Central Branch Programs Manager, emphasized the importance of creating spaces that nurture the whole person, not just academic achievement.

“University life is not only about books and exams. It is about preparing for the realities of life, and that requires conversations on wellbeing, financial discipline, and healthy relationships. At YMCA, we are proud to provide a platform where students can feel heard and supported.”

His words set the tone for a day that encouraged participants to step outside classroom routines and engage deeply with issues that shape their futures.

The dialogue, in broad, opened the floor to candid discussions on mental health, recognizing that stress, anxiety, and burnout are growing concerns for young people navigating university life. Students were encouraged to normalize conversations about mental health and to embrace practices that foster resilience, balance, and self care.

Students discussed and shared their thoughts on improving wellness while at school. This was particularly important as balancing school work and general life can be quite overwhelming sometimes.

Another highlight of the dialogue was the financial literacy sessions, which emphasized the importance of managing money wisely, even as a student who doesn’t have a stream of income yet. Topics included budgeting, saving, and cultivating smart financial habits early on.

For many participants, the lessons offered a new perspective on financial independence. As one student reflected:

“The dialogue made me realize that wellness goes beyond academics. It’s about balance—taking care of your mind, your relationships, and your finances. I left feeling more prepared for life after university.”

By framing financial management as a vital life skill, the sessions gave students tools they could immediately apply, setting the foundation for long-term security and success.”

Leadership was a recurring theme throughout the dialogue. Students were challenged to see themselves not only as learners but also as emerging leaders who can shape the direction of their communities. Through interactive discussions, they reflected on the qualities of effective leadership and how these can be practiced in daily life.

At the heart of the event was a panel discussion featuring experts and youth leaders who shared insights on how wellness, finances, and leadership intersect in shaping the student journey. Panelists unpacked real-life challenges, from navigating academic stress and financial constraints to cultivating leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.

The panel encouraged students to view wellness not as an individual pursuit but as a collective responsibility, while also reinforcing the need for financial preparedness and visionary leadership. Students were able to ask questions, share personal experiences, and engage directly with the speakers, making the session both practical and inspiring.

The event’s ice breaking sessions reinforced this message, connecting students from different universities and encouraging them to build supportive networks that extend beyond their campuses. These exchanges showed the importance of collaboration and peer mentorship as essential components of leadership development.

While the day was filled with serious conversations, it also included entertainment and interactive activities, adding joy and energy to the program. The balance depicted the holistic nature of wellness—embracing mind, body, and community.

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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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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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When Blessings was just five months old, he was taken into theatre for his first cleft lip repair surgery through the generous support of Smile Train, a global organization that provides free cleft treatment for children in need. Because he was still a baby, only the outer lip could be stitched at the time. The hole inside his palate and gut remained, making feeding and speech a daily struggle.

Despite this, Blessings began to grow, and his energy and spirit shone through. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country were closed, and like many children, Blessings needed care and support. That’s when I stepped in.

I had never taken care of a child before. He was the first baby I had ever spent so much time with, and I wasn’t sure I would do it right. But in those nine months, something incredible happened we grew close. He became more than just a child I was helping; he became family. He couldn’t pronounce my name, Claire, so he lovingly called me “Niaa.” I still smile every time I hear it.

During that time, we formed a deep bond. We were inseparable. I learned how to feed him, comfort him when he cried, and help him through the frustrations of not being able to speak clearly. His spirit, even when struggling with his speech and eating, was unbreakable.

In 2021, I returned to school, but our connection never faded. Every Sunday, Blessings would come home, and my mother and I would care for him like we always had. He filled our house with laughter, determination, and pure love.

Then came 2024 a turning point. Blessings underwent his second surgery at St. Francis Hospital, again supported by *Smile Train*. This time, it was to repair the hole inside his palate. Alongside 100 other brave children, he entered surgery, but his recovery was difficult. For two long weeks, he couldn’t eat solid food. Watching him in pain broke my heart. I cried with him, for him. We couldn’t even eat in public because he would watch us silently, his little body aching with hunger.

When we returned for a clinic review, we were told the palate hadn’t completely joined. He would need another surgery.

Eight months later, we returned. And this time, Smile Train made it count. His palate was fully repaired. Though the healing process was slow, the result was life-changing. Blessings could now eat, smile, and speak more freely. He looked brighter. Happier.

Blessings is just one child among thousands whose lives have been touched by Smile Train. But his story stands out to me because I lived it with him. I saw the struggle, the pain, the love, and the triumph. He is more than a cleft patient he is a warrior, a symbol of hope, and a child whose smile now shines brighter than ever.
This journey has taught me that love, patience, and a little help from those who care can truly change a life. Blessings is my hero. And thanks to Smile Train, the world now gets to see the full beauty of his smile.

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