About us

ACTNOW KENYA stands for Actions for Climate Transformation with Nature Observation and Wellbeing in Kenya. We are a youth-led environmental organization dedicated to advancing a just transition and symbiotic relationship between indigenous communities and their natural environments amidst evolving climate conditions.
ACTNOW KENYA was founded in 2022 to initiate change and contribute to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Global Biodiversity Frameworks and provide a platform for marginal groups to join the global sustainable development agenda at grassroot levels.

We are an active member of the YOUNGO and Loss and Damage Youth Coalition (LDYC).

How it started

We are Indigenous activists whose upbringing has been deeply intertwined with natural resources—pasturelands, shared water points, traditional meals, and a rich cultural heritage. However, climate change is rapidly disrupting these livelihoods, particularly among Indigenous and rural communities in northern Kenya.

Today, Laikipia North's is marked by rapid land degradation, ethnic tensions, historical land injustices, and climate-induced displacement contributing to high malnutrition rates, over-reliance on foreign food aid, water scarcity, and declining pastoralism.

It's in the midst of these challenges that we understood how the impacts had worsened, compounded by prolonged droughts, resource-based conflicts, and limited government support for adaptation and recovery.

During our undergraduate studies and individual exposure, we founded ACTNOW KENYA to challenge status quo and drive climate action, environmental sustainability and build community resilience.

What We Do

ACTNOW KENYA works at the grassroots levels to promote environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development. Our focus areas align with global efforts to restore ecosystems, empower communities, and build climate resilience.

Capacity Building

We equip individuals, especially youth and women, with the knowledge and skills needed for environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods through training programs, workshops, and mentorship to foster a new generation of environmental leaders.

Collective Action

We implement practical solutions to combat biodiversity loss, food insecurity and climate change. Our initiatives include natural resource governance, tree planting, water conservation, regenerative agriculture, and promotion of value addition in communities facing environmental challenges. ACTNOW KENYA believes that real change happens when communities come together to take action

Advocacy

We engage in policy dialogue, advocacy, and community mobilization to influence environmental policies and ensure that young people and local communities have a voice in decision-making processes related to climate action, conservation, and sustainable development.

Research & Knowledge Sharing

We create platforms for sharing environmental knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. These are backed by research for indigenous knowledge and storytelling to raise informed awareness on climate issues and provide evidence-based recommendations for sustainable solutions.

An inclusive Model

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

We work closely with indigenous communities to guide our projects, ensuring they are need-based, sustainable, and impactful. Project locations are selected based on ecological conditions, community participation, and long-term sustainability.

Youth Inclusion

With youth comprising 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa's population, their role in development is vital. Our collaborative spaces are harness their energy, creativity, and skills to drive sustainable impact through mentorship, advocacy, partnerships, and volunteerism.

Women Empowerment

In ASAL areas, climate change and water insecurity threaten women's health and economic empowerment, exacerbating issues like clean water scarcity, malnutrition, and discrimination. ACTNOW KENYA champions diversity, inclusion, and equity, ensuring women thrive despite these challenges.

Community elders

As custodians of knowledge and culture, elders guidance ensures our initiatives are community-driven, culturally attuned, and impactful, fostering climate resilience and sustainable development while honoring indigenous traditions.

Our Focus Areas

We work on some of the World's critical environmental issues;

Climate Action

Explore our work across adaptation, mitigation and climate education in schools, communities...

Environment and Social Governance

We champion ecosystem restoration and natural resource governance in rural communities whose land remains daily source of livelihood.

Water and Sanitation

Our mission to water security is simple - ensure that every member in the community can access safe and clean water for drinking, domestic use and irrigation. Join our advocacy.

Agrifood Systems

An innovative landscape covering value additions, food security, women empowerment, livelihoods...

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Our Values

At ACTNOW KENYA, we are committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive environment where integrity, respect, and accountability guide our actions. Our Code of Conduct ensures that all members, partners, and stakeholders uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in our work.

Integrity

We uphold accountability and transparent communications in all our engagements and decision-making.

Environmental Stewardship

We advocate for sustainable practices that protect and restore ecosystems.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We treat all individuals with dignity, inclusivity and equity regardless of race, gender, religion, or background.

Community

We ensure our projects reflect the needs and voices of those affected by environmental challenges.

Sustainability

Our programs are designed with innovation, collaboration and clear plans that ensure long-term impacts to our stakeholders.

Meet 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

Chief Executive Assistant

Gideon Pirandoni Meriwas, Executive Assistant, is an indigenous activist, and sustainability champion 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

Diana Lenges

Head of Finance and Communications

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

Ramason Silvester

Community Liaison Officer

Ramason has worked for 2 years as a Rangeland Coordinator at Naibung'a Community Conservancy liaising with communities in conservation activities, carbon projects and clean water programs. He brings to ACTNOW KENYA a rich back ground in project management, diverse stakeholder engagement and experience leading community initiatives which has propelled our work within Mukogodo West Ward.

Favorite animal: Leopard

Charles Ntaiya

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

Samuel Larpei

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

Project Lead - My SDG Kid Initiative

A journey that began with volunteerism, Jack has support our programs for 2 years with great enthusiasm for nature and conservation. He is leading our school initiatives connecting young leaders with climate literacy, environmental stewardship and sustainability consciousness. Jack has a background in communication.

Favorite animal: Monkey

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