When I received the news that I had been nominated to represent Laikipia County in a national youth workshop on sustainable forestry, I felt a surge of excitement and responsibility. As the Project Officer for Conservation Education at Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), I have always believed in the power of young people to shape the future of our environment. Now, I had the opportunity to walk the talk on a national stage.
The workshop, themed “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry,” took place from April 28th to 30th at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Regional Centre in Kitui. It brought together 20 passionate youth, one from each County, under the African Youth 4 Forests (AY4F) initiative, a powerful collaboration led by the African Forest Forum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and KEFRI.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric with ideas, passion, and shared purpose. We were welcomed with opening remarks from key institutions, setting the stage for what would become a transformative experience. We began with sketch mapping exercises, identifying forest threats and opportunities across Kenya. It was humbling to hear from peers about the challenges they faced and the innovations they were leading in their regions.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of learning and inspiration. We visited KEFRI nurseries, where we learned about sustainable propagation and entrepreneurship. We walked through Melia volkensii plantations, discussing dryland forestry and tree improvement trials. We explored seed production units and agroforestry systems, talking about grafting techniques, bamboo, aloe, and neem as future-ready options. Every site visit sparked new questions and ignited new ideas.
The innovation labs were particularly energizing. In small teams, we brainstormed business models rooted in sustainability. Ideas like the Taka Pay App for waste collection, the Adopt-a-Tree initiative, and using recycled carwash water for nurseries were not just theoretical; they were practical solutions we could take home and start piloting.
What stood out most for me was the sense of shared vision. On the final day, we engaged in policy simulations and advocacy training, building up to the presentation of the Kenya Youth Declaration on Sustainable Forestry. This declaration, co-created by us, will eventually be merged with others from across Africa and presented at COP30 in Brazil. Knowing that our voices will echo in such a global space gave me hope and a renewed sense of duty.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of LWF. This experience reaffirmed that our organization does not just talk about empowering youth, it actively creates space for us to grow, lead, and represent. Whether it is through mentorship, opportunities for field learning, or platforms like this, LWF continues to nurture a new generation of conservation leaders.
As I returned home to Laikipia, I brought with me more than just notes and contacts, I carried a vision, refined and inspired by peers from across the Country. I am more determined than ever to turn science into action, ideas into solutions, and dreams into greener, more resilient landscapes.
The future of our forests is in our hands. And thanks to spaces such as the AY4F workshop and institutions such as LWF, which have always given these opportunities to youths.
