ACTNOW KENYA

Our mission

We thrive to build a society that fosters a symbiotic coexistence between people and nature, and strengthen resilience of underserved groups through just policy frameworks, a community of practice, as well as climate adaptation, and channel ancestral knowledge to create sustainable solutions for climate and environmental injustices.

Our vision

A world where coexistence thrives, and underserved communities lead sustainable development and climate action.

What We Do

• Educate: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela. At ACTNOW KENYA, we provide community capacity building to catalyze and effect sustainable practices.

• Conserve: at the intersection community empowerment and prosperity is conservation. By knowing the best practices and roles, these communities can progressively begin to conserve, manage and protect their natural ecosystems and soil.

• Transform: Take care of the earth and she will take care of you. With conservation; threatened species will be recovered, communities can get clean water for years to come, reduce hunger and live in harmony with proper resources management.

ACTNOW KENYA works with rural communities, institutions and other organized groups to make sure that rural indigenous communities are on the global agenda on climate action. We believe we can achieve this through climate education, holistic conservation, sustainable agriculture, clean water, peace and research.

Partnering with Local Communities

Indigenous communities inform the implementation of our projects. Our project are selected on locations based on factors like ecological conditions, assessment of need, community participation, and long-term sustainability. Phase 1 of our projects begins from the Naibung'a Community Conservancy area consisting of 9 group ranches and an area of 47,740 hectares.

ACTNOW Model

School green clubs

School Green Clubs are a powerful way for students to learn, lead, and make a difference in their communities and beyond. At ACTNOW KENYA, we believes in the unmatched potential of kids activism in conservation and agriculture. Today we have a community of seven schools that we work with in tree planting, advocacy and agriculture in Laikipia north.

Young people

At 70% in overall population of Sub-Saharan Africa, youth significance cannot be overlooked in development agenda. Through our collaborative spaces, these youths are harnessing their energy, creativity, and modern skills to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our initiatives. We support these young people through mentorships, advocacy campaigns, partnerships and volunteerism. Their participation ensures that our projects are not only impactful but also relevant to the needs and aspirations of future generations.

Women groups

We are guided by inclusivity and sustainability in our work. We believe that women are the most affected by climate crisis world wide and they face major discriminating challenges to thrive in these hard times. Through women groups, organized by common interest such as agriculture, we are driving impact to their families and communities.

Community Elders

Elders are invaluable assets to indigenous communities, serving as custodians of knowledge, leaders, environmental stewards, and cultural guides. Their support and collaboration help us develop more culturally attuned, community-driven approaches to conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development, ensuring that our efforts are both impactful and respectful of indigenous traditions and wisdom.

A story of change

Twenty years of growing in these communities, we encountered firsthand development challenges that our mothers, children and the people that live in these arid sections meet every day due to climate change and biodiversity degradation. Going back home after four years of undergraduate studies, we eventually understood the pronounced suffering from high malnutrition rates, over reliance on foreign food aid, water scarcity, and declining pastoralism with limited government support to recover and adapt to changing climatic conditions. Laikipia North recent history is marked by violence, prolonged droughts, food shortage and historical land injustices with post-colonial struggle, ethnic tensions, famine, harsh police operations and environmental challenges all impeding social and economic development. This propelled the foundation of ACTNOW KENYA as a flagship project to restore hope in the locality through climate education, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and local research.

A picture of a mother fetching water from a drying well after a long dry season

Our team

of extraordinary and passionate individuals

Facing problems as the climate crisis and threatened biodiversity requires an incredible team. We’re grateful to have some of the most innovative and committed young leaders bringing together talent and expertise in conservation, integrated forest management, project management, philanthropy, and more to develop strategies for harnessing our full power to save Laikipia’s wildlife and transform communities.

Gideon Pirandoni

Diana Lenges

Chief Executive Assistant

Gideon Pirandoni Meriwas, Executive Assistant, is an indigenous activist, and community development practitioner with more than 3 years advancing youth stewardships in conservation and climate action, at policy development, tree growing, and advocacy in Laikipia and Beyond.

Favorite animal: Giraffe

Communications Officer

With background in Information and Technology, Diana believes in strengthening indigenous women to lead the a path to self-sufficiency through advocacy and stories. She has more than 2 years both in volunteerism and community work in Laikipia county and beyond delivering gender response and food security projects.

Favorite animal: Elephant

Benjamin Maiyani

Head of Programs

Benjamin is a managerial professional with a diverse background in environmental conservation, community development, and tourism. He has worked as a community conservancy manager for one year leading peace building, rangeland conservation, carbon offsetting and working with women groups in diverse economic activities including beadwork. He leads our project teams in delivering impact projects.

Favorite animal: Lion

Charles Ntaiya

Samuel Larpei

Finance/ &Advocacy Officer

Charles merges a career in business and public policy with 2 years of donor-related project management in Mukogodo West Ward, Laikipia North. He brings to ACTNOW a broader approach to community outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Favorite animal: Wolf

Project officer - Climate Change

Samuel Larpei is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in environmental conservation, waste management, and tourism. With over six years of experience, he has made significant contributions in various roles: Operations Officer at Dafinto Safaris, Environment Officer at Perfect Group, and Sales Operations at Canute Media. His passion for the environment, combined with his practical skills, makes him a valuable professional in today’s dynamic landscape.

Favorite animal: Eagle

Jack Meshami

Communications Assistant

A journey that began with volunteerism, Jack has support our programs for 2 years with great enthusiasm for nature and conservation. He has a background in Information, communication and Technology.

Favorite animal: Monkey

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Our partners 

Climate change is no longer the boogeyman in the closet that we can hide away from. It's time that we all prioritize its importance for the betterment of future generations.

– Nate S., Muhlenberg College