YOUTH CULTIVATING CHANGE, KAHUMI SELF HELP GROUP.

Kahumi Self Help Group’s Tree Nursery is more than just a community project; it represents a vibrant youth initiative that sprang to life two years ago in the beautiful landscapes of Nyeri County, with Mount Kenya as a picturesque backdrop. Guided by the esteemed elder & group patron, Mr. Peter from the Kariche Sublocation, this self-help group was born out of a vital need to unite the local youth in a collaborative effort amidst alarming unemployment rates.

According to the NCPD, youth represent 35% of Kenya’s population, yet face an alarming unemployment rate of 67%. With formal job opportunities scarce and economic pressures mounting, many young people are turning to entrepreneurship as an alternative means of livelihood.

Mr Peter, Kahumi SHG Patron.

An overlap between youth entrepreneurship and conservation offers both challenges and opportunities, especially in the Mt. Kenya Landscape. Communities around Mt. Kenya rely on forest resources for food, fuel, and income. High unemployment rates and economic pressures can drive individuals to engage in illegal forest activities like logging and poaching, which negatively impact the environment and biodiversity. Encouraging sustainable practices and alternative livelihoods is, therefore, crucial for balancing economic needs with conservation efforts, allowing both to flourish.

The name "Kahumi" signifies the unity of young people from Kariche, Huhoini, and Mirera regions. The self-help group ( SHG), consisting of 25 dedicated members, embodies a spirit of aspiration and resilience. United in their mission, the youth members strive to create income-generating opportunities while fostering hope and support for a brighter future.

Mr. Peter, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, famously states, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." His vision was clear: engage the youth in meaningful activities to steer them away from the vices of drugs and crime.

A Groundbreaking Partnership

In August 2024, Mount Kenya Trust (MKT initiated an empowering journey with the youth group through the Darwin Project, known as "Increasing Ecological and Socio-Economic Resilience of the Upper Ewaso Ng’iro North Ecosystem." Since the project began in 2023, MKT has trained 368 individuals from 21 diverse community groups, helping them establish and manage tree nurseries. This initiative is not simply about planting trees; it is a comprehensive effort to empower local communities with practical skills and transform nurseries into sustainable, high-income enterprises.

Youth at the nursery.

Mr. Peter, deeply committed to his vision, rallied ten members of the Self-Help Group for training on Community Tree Nursery Establishment and Management by MKT. With enthusiasm and passion, he shared his dream of a lush, thriving tree nursery that could provide a steady stream of seedlings for sale while enriching the environment. The sentiments resonated with MKT, particularly with Forester& trainer, Mr. Joseph Ngarira, whose unwavering support has been instrumental for the group.

From Training to Action

Following their training, the Kahumi group was equipped with essential tools and resources from MKT, including propagation bags, nutrient-rich forest soil, various seeds, and necessary tools like jembes, wheelbarrows, and hosepipes. Armed with this invaluable equipment, the young members eagerly set out to put their newfound knowledge into practice. Under the guidance of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) area forester, they secured a site on community land for their nursery, conveniently located adjacent to a community dam.

Water hyacinth has invaded their source of water, the community Dam.

However, the initial joy was met with challenges as the dam became overrun by invasive water hyacinth, complicating their access to water for the seedlings. Water scarcity significantly threatens the productivity of tree nurseries, a common challenge identified in many community nursery groups through needs assessments. To address this issue, MKT , purchased 15 water tanks for 15 groups, including Kahumi SHG, to ensure that their nurseries always have a reliable water supply to nurture more quality seedlings.

Utilsing water from the dam is difficult.

To further protect their efforts, MKT provided fencing materials like chain links and wooden poles, shielding the nursery from grazing livestock and vandalism, two other common challenges in community nursery initiatives, because most nurseries are in community land.

Ongoing Support and Future Prospects

MKT’s foresters' dedication to the progression of community nurseries, including the Kahumi Tree Nursery, has been very effective. Regular follow-ups and observations ensure the training techniques are implemented effectively, improving seedling quality and productivity.

Each year, as the tree planting seasons approach—spanning March to April and October to November—MKT actively collaborates with local community nurseries to source a variety of seedlings for our restoration sites at Marania, Ontulili—Karuri, and the recently reopened Imenti Sites.In 2024, MKT made a significant investment by purchasing 345,715 seedlings from 19 community-operated nurseries. A total of 7,697,610 KES was channeled to these communities, demonstrating our commitment to forest restoration while also enhancing the local economy and improving the livelihoods of the community tree nursery groups.

A Vision for a Greener Future

Kahumi Tree Nursery is a source of hope for a brighter future for its members and their villages and a powerful example of what is possible when communities unite. Through determination, support, and a passion for the environment, the youth of Kahumi are nurturing their roots, both literally and metaphorically, and are well on their way to realising a sustainable future.

Join the journey towards a greener future—support local initiatives like Kahumi Tree Nursery and help empower the youth to cultivate change within their communities!