The Mpenda Mazingira Youth Initiative was born in June 2019, within the corridors of Ngong Township Primary School. It began with a small, passionate group of eleven students—seven boys and four girls—bound by a common love for the land and a scout’s commitment to safeguard it. Under the leadership of our founder, Abel, who was the Deputy Headboy and Scout Patrol Leader at the time, we spent our formative days trekking the hills of Kajiado County, planting trees, and cleaning the streets of Ngong and Rongai. We were more than just students; we were young protectors of our environment.
However, our bond faced its true test in March 2020. As the world fell silent under the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found ourselves disconnected and confronted with the harsh truths of life at home. Throughout those lengthy months of isolation, our group felt the heavy weight of vulnerability when one of our members became pregnant. It was a moment that could have shattered us, but instead, it gave us definition. We turned to Abel for support, and despite the quietness of the lockdown, his steadfast faith in our purpose brought us back together. It became clear that our mission extended beyond just caring for the earth—it was about taking care of each other. From those tough times, we evolved into more than just a band of school scouts; we became a family devoted to nurturing both our community and our planet.
In January 2021, a new headteacher came to our school and introduced changes that resulted in the destruction of a beloved forested area we had cared for. This act of damaging the environment profoundly impacted us and sparked a collective determination to restore and enhance our local surroundings. Abel brought us together with a mission to replant trees and rehabilitate the affected area.
Our commitment continued to strengthen, and in 2023, while we were in Form 2, we took an important step in our mission by officially registering as a Community-Based Organization (CBO). This represented a major milestone in our initiative, allowing us to broaden our scope to include mental health advocacy, mentorship for boys, and more extensive environmental conservation efforts.
Our Green History
Where We Have Been
Where We Are
At present, the Mpenda Mazingira Initiative boasts a committed group of more than 137 passionate teenagers and young adults dedicated to promoting sustainable development and encouraging a healthier, more eco-friendly future for our community.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to cultivating a sustainable future by equipping the next generation with the tools to lead a life of purpose. By weaving together nature-based solutions and creative green innovations, we empower women and youth to design a world that flourishes. Through a culture of mindful investment and inclusive voices, we aim to grow a society where prosperity feels like home and the integrity of our earth is cherished by all.
Our dream is to be a heartbeat for a greener Africa a leading light that weaves environmental love into the very fabric of our lives. We believe that caring for the earth should be as natural as breathing, touching everything from the way we grow our food to the way we build our cities. By sparking a shift in how we think and feel, we help everyone see their unique connection to the planet. Through shared wisdom and mindful investment, we are creating a ripple of change that flows from our classrooms to our boardrooms, nurturing a world where a healthy earth and a prosperous people walk hand-in-hand.
Our goal
OUR TEAM
Our team is a vibrant ecosystem of experts, each bringing a unique gift to our shared mission. From foresters and ecosystem scientists who listen to the land, to GIS mappers and tech specialists who visualize our future, we work in harmony. Together with our community developers, policy experts, and storytellers, we blend deep technical knowledge with a heartfelt passion. We are more than a team of specialists; we are a collective of changemakers dedicated to empowering youth and shaping the policies that will protect our home for generations to come.
Executive Director
Grace serves as the Executive Director of the MPENDA Mazingira Initiative, where she spearheads impactful environmental restoration and youth mentorship programs across Kenya. A dedicated advocate for sustainable development, she leads the organization’s mission to foster community resilience and empower the next generation of climate-conscious leaders.
Programs
Geoffrey oversees the strategic implementation of our community-led conservation projects, ensuring every initiative delivers measurable impact for local ecosystems. His leadership is central to the success of our reforestation and youth training programs, transforming lives through practical environmental stewardship.
Secretary General
Milka manages the organization's administrative framework and internal communications, ensuring all operations are transparent and efficient. Her meticulous coordination keeps our environmental advocacy and community outreach efforts perfectly aligned with our core mission.