A Crisis in the ASALs

For the women of Narok, life has always been tethered to the land. Over 70% rely on rain-fed agriculture and firewood collection, but intensifying droughts have decimated crop yields, plunging families into hunger and despair (UNDP, 2023). The consequences are dire: child marriages are on the rise, and many are forced into unsafe migration in search of survival. A 2023 study by the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice found that 8 in 10 women in Narok cite drought as their primary threat to food and income. Yet, cultural norms and economic barriers block their access to productive livestock, a lifeline in a region where crops increasingly fail.

Youth, too, face a bleak future. With a 40% unemployment rate in rural Kenya (KNBS, 2022), many young people are abandoning agriculture, seeing no viable path forward. Community-based organizations (CBOs), eager to restore degraded landscapes, lack the resources and expertise to act. Against this backdrop, WREST is a beacon of hope.

Livestock as a Lifeline

At the heart of WREST is a bold strategy: equipping women with drought-resilient livestock breeds tailored for Narok’s punishing climate. Dorper sheep, prized for their rapid growth and market value, Boer goats, known for their hardy meat production, and Sahiwal cattle, reliable milk producers in dry conditions, are distributed to women across the county. These animals are more than assets—they’re a pathway to economic independence and food security.

But WREST goes beyond handing out livestock. The project provides comprehensive training in sustainable livestock management, from breeding to health care, paired with ongoing extension support. “The WREST project will transform lives in Narok and beyond,” says Tony Kirimi, the initiative’s operational lead, his voice brimming with conviction. For women like Esther, a 34-year-old mother of three, the impact is tangible. “Before WREST, I had nothing to sell when the rains failed,” she says, stroking a Dorper sheep. “Now, I have income, and my children eat.”

Innovating for Sustainability

WREST’s ingenuity extends to its eco-friendly feed solutions. By incorporating bagasse—a byproduct of sugarcane—into animal feed, the project turns agricultural waste into a nutrient-rich resource, reducing costs and environmental impact. Fodder trees, vanilla cuttings, and resilient grass seeds are also distributed, restoring degraded landscapes while diversifying income streams. These practices align with global calls for climate-smart agriculture, offering a model for other arid regions.

A Ripple Effect

The project’s impact reaches beyond individual women. By empowering them, WREST strengthens entire communities. Women’s newfound economic stability reduces early marriages and keeps children in school. Youth, inspired by viable agricultural models, are reconsidering farming as a career. CBOs, bolstered by WREST’s technical support, are beginning to lead local conservation efforts.

In Narok, where the land once seemed to offer only hardship, WREST is sowing seeds of resilience. Its success could light the way for similar initiatives across Kenya’s ASALs, proving that even in the harshest climates, women can lead the charge toward a sustainable future. As the world grapples with climate change, Narok’s women are showing what’s possible when innovation meets determination.

Speaking during the session the Deputy Governor of Kilifi, Honorable Flora Mbetsa Chibule, said “Now is the time to view our youth not just as personnel that can help in disaster risk reduction.”

The governor lauded the United Nations agencies and AMREF for supporting youth participation and inclusion during the 10th National Symposium for Disaster Risk Reduction. She also stressed that technology and innovation, which, are predominately manned by the youth, need to be embedded in disaster response because they play a pivotal role in disaster risk awareness.

“We need concrete plans that make young people the center of change,” said Governor Mbesta, “The future of disaster risk reduction is in the hands of the youth. ” 

The deputy governor also emphasized that the disaster risk reduction strategy should be more forward-looking because the youth may be grossly impacted if they are not part of the solution.

Historically, the Kenyan youth were relegated to passive roles in disaster relief efforts, however, statistics from the flashfloods that ravaged Kenya noted that 90% of the casualties were under 35.

In the same breadth, Everlyn Koech is the team leader for environment and resilience at the United Nations Development Agency in Kenya. said,  “Managing disaster is not just a humanitarian issue it is a development issue.“

Koech also underscored the importance of collaboration in reducing risks and disasters and lauded the need for including the youth in collective response to disaster. 

The symposium also included youth voices and held a panel discussion where the youth champions from the UNFPA advisory panel gave their views on what needs to be prioritized in the disaster risk response.

Allan Mwita one of the youth representatives from UNFPA said that people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disaster. Mwita stated that disaster responses need to have a response strategy for persons living with disabilities.

“Disaster respondents should leave no one behind,” said Mwita, “People with disabilities also need to be prioritized when we think of disaster response.”

Accordingly, Brian Mukusa insisted that disaster management policies must forefront youth because the youth are the largest population in Kenya.

UNFPA Kenya’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment is evident in its support for over 30 young leaders to participate in the 10th National Symposium for Disaster Risk Reduction in Kenya.

This landmark event brought together policymakers, community leaders, development partners, and most importantly, the youth, to forge innovative and inclusive strategies for mitigating disaster risks and combating the impacts of climate change.

Speaking to Liberal News Network, Susan Omenyo, an agronomist and African Food Fellow, shared her remarkable story during the African Food Fellowship graduation in Nairobi. With over a decade of experience working with smallholder farmers, Omenyo is now partnering with women farmers in semi-arid and arid regions of West Pokot to restore degraded lands. Her work focuses on creating tree nurseries and reintroducing native tree species to the region, especially in areas heavily dominated by acacia trees.

“Currently, I’m working on a project in West Pokot. The lands have degraded, and soils have eroded. I am working with women farmers to establish tree nurseries and native tree species,” said Omenyo. “I’m helping ensure they are getting good seedlings to restore the region.”

However, one of the biggest challenges is deforestation, driven by the local need for charcoal. Omenyo and her team are working hard to change mindsets, introducing alternative income sources like honey production, which offers both environmental and economic benefits. By providing beehives and encouraging the cultivation of medicinal plants, wild fruits, and fodder crops, the initiative is helping the community to move away from destructive practices and toward a sustainable future.

“We’re also providing beehives to enable them to produce more honey, which they can process and sell. This creates a reliable source of income,” Omenyo explained. Additionally, they plan to grow pastures and fodder crops to sell to dairy and livestock farmers, providing further economic opportunities.

Water scarcity is another pressing issue in the region. Omenyo and her team are partnering with local stakeholders to address this. “Water is a challenge in the southern part of West Pokot. We plan to dig a well and organize a group to manage it properly, ensuring it lasts and serves the community for a long time.”

The vision Omenyo and the women farmers share is to build a future where environmental stewardship supports economic development. Through this partnership, the community of West Pokot is forging a resilient path forward.

During the graduation ceremony, keynote speaker Professor Ruth Oniang’o, a renowned figure in African agriculture, urged the Fellows to take up leadership roles and continue their transformative work. Oniang’o, further stated  that the group of food systems leaders gives her hope for the future of agriculture in Kenya.

In her closing remarks, she said, “I encourage you to lead with confidence and embrace different perspectives to make a positive impact.”

The African Food Fellowship, which graduated its third cohort of 29 Kenyan Fellows, is a 10-month leadership program designed to empower participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to transform food systems in their regions. The impact of these initiatives, like the one in West Pokot, is a powerful testament to how local leadership can tackle global challenges like climate change while uplifting communities.

Speaking during an interview with Liberal News Network in Nairobi, Laurin Mungai, a 26-year-old graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)  narrated how she found out about the digital skill program and the impact it has brought on her career and business.

“In business, data is everything. I was relying on word-of-mouth feedback for my chili products, which wasn’t sustainable. But, now, thanks to the training, I can clean, analyze, and visualize data, allowing me to build meaningful narratives and track progress. It has completely changed the way I operate my business,”

Laurin who pursued mechatronic engineering said the program provided more than just technical know-how because it empowered her to bolster her entrepreneurial venture.

“I encourage other young people to seek out similar opportunities,” said Lauren while noting that programs digital programs are often more accessible and impactful than traditional routes.

Accordingly, Brian Monene, a fourth-year software engineering student from Murang’a University of Technology, encountered a similar experience. Initially doubtful about the success of his application, Brian viewed the program as an opportunity to refine his technical expertise and acquire practical experience.

“I applied merely to advance my technical abilities,” Brian explained. “What I didn’t anticipate was how profoundly this program would broaden my horizons—not just in programming, but also in networking and practical industry engagement.”

The 10-day intensive training introduced Brian to new programming tools and practices while fostering a collaborative network among the participants. He has already begun applying his newfound knowledge to an ongoing business project and is excited about the potential it holds for his future.

“It felt like the missing piece of the puzzle for my project. This course has given me the confidence to implement what I’ve learned in data science,” he said.

The program was organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), and WINS Global Consult, with support from Strathmore University. It was designed to help young people from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop skills for the African market.

Emmanuel Kuyu, the Deputy Director of Strathmore University’s iLab Africa, said the program is a vital step in preparing young people for the digital economy. In his view, more youths need to be engaged in this program.

He also said, “The initiative is essential for preparing young people to thrive in the digital age.”

The influence of the program reaches far beyond the confines of the classroom. Currently, iLab Africa is renowned for its dedication to harnessing technology for developmental progress across East Africa, and sees this latest batch of graduates as a testament to their mission of building digital prowess in crucial sectors.

“At iLab Africa, we aim to leverage technology to address real-world issues. This program embodies that mission—arming young minds with the tools needed to confront the challenges of the future,” Kuyu added.

As East Africa’s digital revolution gains unprecedented momentum, Kenya stands as a beacon of this transformation, galvanizing its youth to spearhead the change. Initiatives like the digital skills program herald the rise of a new generation of innovators, poised to reshape not just their local economies, but the future of the entire region.

Shantel Mwikali, one of the panelists, highlighted Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a major issue for young girls. She also mentioned early pregnancies and period poverty as key challenges faced by girls in remote areas.

“We as adolescent girls face so many challenges that hinder us from accessing quality education and our health rights,” said Mwikali. “Some of the girls have been forced to drop out of school due to early pregnancies.”

According to Kenya Demographic & Health Survey (KDHS) data for 2022, the prevalence of FGM is 15 percent in the country, meaning that 15 percent of girls and women aged 15 to 49 have been circumcised. This is much too high. Yet, progress is being made.

In her opening remarks, Kate Kiama, Director of Programs and Impact at She’s the First, emphasized the organization’s commitment to equipping women with essential skills and certifications to secure a brighter future for girls.

“By building women’s capacity, we ensure a brighter future for girls worldwide,” said Kiama. She also pointed out that discussions on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights are often avoided at the family level, making it difficult for adolescent girls to share their concerns with their parents

She’s the First is a global leader in girls’ education and empowerment, women’s rights; Leadership development; Youth development; Community and economic development; Reproductive health care; International development; Equal opportunity in education

This year the one-day event that brought together 40 grassroots organizations from 235 in 2023 aimed to impact practical training on girl-centered programs and Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR) education

“This key event coincides with the launch of the groundbreaking Girls First Institute, designed to equip women leaders with the tools to transform communities and uplift girls, ” said Kiama.

Tina, who was also one of the panels during the one-hour talk added that security, clean water, access to sanitary towels, decent schools, and mental health support are some of the challenges young girls from the rural areas are grappling with.

“Lack of security during school going days have led to some of the girls getting impregnated by the motorcycle people better known as ‘Boda Boda’,” said Tina.

During the one-hour talk, girls with disabilities also shared that they face many barriers when joining programs due to lack of sign language interpreters and lack of access to information. “Communication is a problem when we get into such programs due to lack of sign language interpreters,” said one of the girls with a hearing disability.

“We need to be included in all programs, our families also need to be trained in sign language so that it can be easy for us to communicate with them,” she adds.

Another challenge the girls shared was lack of safe spaces to share and highlight their SRHR rights. “Many girls when faced with feelings, they don’t open up but keep to themselves resulting in anxiety, depression and substance use,” she said. “Parents pay attention to your children; you never know what they are going through.” they reiterated.

One girl added that some donated sanitary towels are not inclusive to the girls with heavy flows. “Some girls have heavy flows and others low; the donors need to put in mind and include sanitary towels that accommodate the girls with heavy flows,” she said.

They called upon authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of sexual offenders are brought to book like the ones who defile girls with disabilities.

She’s the First was founded 15 years ago in New York City and currently operates in East and West Africa, South Asia and Latin America with its headquarters in Nairobi. It is dedicated to a world where every girl can choose her future.

According to Kiama, She’s the First also formally launched the Girls First Institute, offering two certification levels, “Essential” and “Advanced,” to empower organizations and attract new funding opportunities.

“The Institute provides vital skills in girl-centered program design, feminist mentorship, and sexual and reproductive health and rights programming, addressing the lack of affordable, high-quality training for women-led, girl-focused organizations in the Global South,” reiterated Kiama.

Kalonzo Musyoka, former Vice President and current leader of the Wiper political party voiced strong objections, claiming that 1 trillion Kenyan Shillings (USD 7.7 billion) of the proposed financial budget would “finance corruption.”

“As concerned citizens, we want a blatant disregard of the 2024 Financial Bill,” said Musyoka while speaking at a press conference. “The rising digital activism among Kenyans as a clear indication of widespread discontent with the bill.”

Martha Karua, leader of the Narc Kenya party and a prominent figure in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, also echoed Musyoka’s sentiments.

“The Finance Bill 2024 will bring more pain to Kenyans if it sails through the National Assembly without amendments,” warned Karua.

She also emphasized that budgeting is about making the right choices that prioritize the welfare and safety of the people, not about funding the Executive.

Karua also said,  ” Leaders must make choices that can lead to a much safer Kenya must be based on true reference and respect for the people,” she added.

Adding to the opposition’s proposals, Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement announced a ban on travel for their Members of Parliament during the debate on the 2024 Financial Bill. This move represents the coalition’s commitment to actively opposing the bill within parliamentary proceedings.

Accordingly, Jeremiah Kioni of the Jubilee Party also expressed his disdain, stating, “The budget seems to have been made by crooks.” His statement reflects the deep mistrust and frustration among opposition leaders regarding the integrity of the budgetary process and the Executive.

Whether the views of the Azimio la Umoja coalition will be used to debate the Financial Bill by Members of Parliament will only be told with time. Meanwhile, many Kenyans, continue to express concern among many Kenyans who fear the economic and social repercussions of the proposed budget.

Heilu Ward, located in Moyale sub-county, Marsabit County in northern Kenya, greeted us with a cacophony of braying donkeys and the clanging of jerrycans. Curiosity drew us towards the noise, leading us to a nearby water point where the animals were gathered.

At the dam’s entry, security guards told us that everybody was required to pay five Kenyan shillings for a 20-liter jerry can for locals and 10 Kenyan shillings for Ethiopians, the buyers later sold the water in Moyale town at 100 Kenya shillings per 20 litre jerrycan.

Out of curiosity, I peeped inside the dam to see how locals were fetching the water, and to my shock, the water was visibly unfit for human consumption.

Fatuma Dalle, a 42-year-old mother of six, villager, confirmed our fears. “The water is dirty, but we have no choice,” admitted Dalle while explaining how the lack of donkeys only worsened their plight.

Dalle spoke through a translator, a middle-aged man, who, decoded her Borana dialect.

Dalle admitted that, “The lack of proper water storage forced the residents to rely on rainwater which unfortunately was shared with wildlife and was often made dirty hence unfit for human consumption.”

“Before the dam was built, we used to trek for over five kilometers to look for water but since the dam was established through efforts of community members around Heilu ward, we have been relieved from the burden of walking for long distances. We water vendors have taken the initiative of employing two security guards to watch over the water from being contaminated by wild animals,” explained Dalle.

The water business was booming in the area as the vendors bought a 20-litre jerry can for five shillings and sold it for 100 shillings in the town.

Strategically located at the Kenya-Ethiopia border, Heilu Water Point served as a meeting point for communities from both sides. Ethiopians and residents from other wards paid a premium for the life-sustaining liquid.

Accordingly, Dalle admitted that the water business enabled her to fend for her family and even pay school fees for her six children. She remained optimistic and hopes that with time she will manage to buy more donkeys and expand her business.

Heilu Manyatta ward is a central point for donkey vaccination

A team from Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) in partnership with the County government of Marsabit in Moyale Sub-county partnered to vaccinate donkeys in Heilu and Banisa wards, targeting the dam site because of its central point for the beasts of burden.

As we strolled by the water point, a man named Abdi Dida caught our eye. He was arranging a row of bright yellow jerrycans to collect water. Despite his busy schedule, he stopped to share his approach to caring for his loyal donkeys.

“I rely on Ethiopians to look after them,” Dida explained. “They come from the neighboring country, and work from dawn to dusk.”

He went on to detail their employment terms, noting, “They receive a monthly salary ranging from Ksh. 2,000 to Ksh. 3,000, depending on the size of my donkey herd.”

The 48 year old said that most of them sought Ethiopians to enable them to engage in other activities and their children to go to schools without being troubled by having to graze their cattle.

“We share one market with the Ethiopians so in case anyone wants to buy a donkey it is never a problem. There are Kenyan men there who help with negotiation and even act as witnesses during the purchasing process,”  explained Dida .

Dida who had been in the business for more than 20 years mentioned that one of the major challenges that the community faced was the inability to identify their donkeys in a herd when they got lost.

Dida also highlighted the challenges of identifying lost animals, he said, “We simply observe the direction from where the animal is coming from to tell if it is from Manyatta or Ethiopia. Ethiopian donkeys have dark body marks while the Kenyan ones have tattoo on the ears or use physical marks which at times resemble.”

Dida also revealed that the donkey  owners only embark on a two-month search mission before giving up completely.

Inter- county transfer of donkeys a threat to the animals

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“This village bore witness to the  crackdown of slaughterhouses,” recounted Doctor Dennis Bahati, a Programs Manager from ANAW. “Illegal cross-border movements left numerous donkeys vulnerable to theft.”

We approached the water point with cautious steps with tension unfolding from a distance, mindful of the animals’ skittish nature.

Two middle-aged men gently restrained a donkey by its ears, signaling for the removal of the metal grille from its back to facilitate the procedure. Nearby, a veterinarian poised with needle in hand awaited the opportune moment, ready to administer the vaccine.

The metal grilles, once laden with water from the dam, served as makeshift supports for jerry cans.

Once the donkey grew calm, the vet swiftly injected the vaccine into its neck, withdrawing before the animal could detect any threat.

Dr. Bahati reflected on ANAW’s efforts since their arrival in 2021 to collaborate with Moyale sub-county and border patrol to bolster the security of these endangered creatures. “We’ve uncovered numerous welfare issues demanding attention,” he acknowledged.

“In recent weeks,” he continued, “we’ve witnessed a surge in illegal donkey movements across the Kenya-Ethiopia border. These unsuspecting animals venture into areas known as hotspots for donkey bush slaughter, posing a significant threat.”

Hassan Guyo, an official from the Marsabit County Department of Livestock and Veterinary Service overseeing the vaccination, confirmed that at least 400 donkeys had received treatment that day.

Guyo conceded to the prevalence of illegal cross-border donkey movement in the area over the past three months.

“It was reported that eight to ten lorries, transporting between 4000 to 6000 donkeys, crossed from the Moyale border to unknown destinations, leading to an increase in bush slaughter cases in areas like Naivasha,” Guyo disclosed.

However, there was a glimmer of hope in February 2024, when African heads of state and government collectively agreed to ban donkey slaughter for their skin, a measure aimed at protecting the continent’s 33 million donkeys.

Despite this progress, Guyo emphasized lingering legal loopholes that needed addressing to ensure the animals’ security.

“Donkey slaughter may be banned, but there remains a loophole allowing for their movement,” Guyo explained. “Traders exploit this gap, transporting animals to destinations for bush slaughter.”

He called upon the government and advocacy groups to take decisive action to ban the movement and slaughter of donkeys entirely.

Guyo expressed optimism in the potential of a donkey identification and traceability system to aid in the recovery of stolen animals in the event of large-scale theft.

Speaking at the prestigious United States International University-Africa, Mudavadi said, “We all live in a world that has too many parts, and are now in need for a strategic approach.”

Mudavadi argued  that the current system, is riddled with “uncomfortable truths” where millions of children out of school, and landlocked African nations find themselves in persistent regional instability.

“Kenya,” he asserted, is determined to be a “brother’s keeper” in Africa, actively pursuing peace in “troubled regions” like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Somalia.

Beyond Military Might: A Diverse Approach

“Gone are the days of grand strategies solely focused on military muscle,” Mudavadi emphasized.
“Kenya’s approach prioritizes economic and diplomatic tools to secure  national interests.” This, aligns with President William Ruto’s vision.

Mudavadi  insisted that the concept of a “grand strategy” itself is a departure from traditional Kenyan discourse, typically confined to academic circles. He stressed the importance of strategic thinking in today’s volatile and ambiguous foreign relations environment.

Non-Alignment and Global Engagement

Kenya’s grand strategy champions non-alignment, a core tenet of its foreign policy.
“We have no eternal allies and we have no perpetual enemies,” Mudavadi declared, while quoting Lord Palmerston 1784–1865   famous quote, Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests are our duty to pursue.

Kenya’s proactive stance is not without its supporters. Not so long ago, it was said by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua  that Kenya has no permanent enemies or permanent friends in politics, only permanent interests.

A Pivotal Moment for Kenya

As the world order undergoes a significant shift, Kenya’s grand strategy offers a compelling vision for navigating these uncertain times. By prioritizing economic diplomacy, regional peacebuilding, and strategic non-alignment, Kenya seeks to secure its own interests while contributing to a more stable and prosperous Africa. This, audacious plan will be closely watched by the international community, eager to see if Kenya can successfully chart a course in a “hanging world.

Women, particularly those in arid and semi-arid areas, bear the greatest burden. With fewer resources and less access to decision-making spaces, they are more vulnerable to climate shocks. Meanwhile, those with power and wealth are often the first to benefit from emerging opportunities in a low-carbon economy.

Despite these challenges, the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) has launched a bold initiative called Resisting Exploitation, Claiming Liberation and Justice for Women (RECLAIM). The initiative is focused on empowering women to lead the charge for change and shape a more secure, just, and sustainable future.

Notably, climate change has increased gender-based violence in Kenya including Tharaka Nthi County, which, faces a significant challenge with high rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly violence against women and girls.The county has been identified as a hotspot for GBV, with studies revealing high incidences of hitting, beating, and even killings.

It is against this backdrop that the the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) puts Tharka Nithi women first so that they can be empowered to make a difference while also safeguarding their future and well- being.

It is clear that climate change is felt globally, however, the burden is not shared equally. Women, often with the fewest resources, continue to be disproportionately affected. Yet, when given the opportunity to contribute to climate mitigation, they leave nothing to chance and are better equipped to address sexual and gender-based violence, which is often amplified by climate change. Whether the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) will achieve lasting transformation remains to be seen but what is certain is that with women at the forefront, meaningful change is not only possible, it is inevitable.