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On March 25, 2025, a powerful alliance was born at the heart of Laikipia County. In a vibrant and energizing event, Laikipia University and GROOTS Kenya officially launched a landmark strategic partnership aimed at bridging the gap between academia and the grassroots. This strategic partnership is not only a milestone for Laikipia University and GROOTS Kenya but also a crucial step toward advancing Kenya’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development, gender equity, and community-driven growth. The collaboration is set to ignite community-led development, advance gender equality, and tackle climate change—head-on.
The event, hosted at Laikipia University’s scenic main campus, wasn’t just a formal affair. It was a celebration of shared values, lived experience, and the limitless potential that emerges when knowledge meets community action. From faculty and students to grassroots champions, the spirit of unity and transformation filled the air.
At the forefront of the celebration was GROOTS Kenya’s Executive Director, Ms. Rachel Kagoiya, Grants and Operations Manager, Ms. Eunice Mwangi, accompanied by a passionate team of grassroots leaders—women and youth who have long been the backbone of community resilience. Their presence, stories, and commitment reminded all attendees why this partnership matters. The day began with a courtesy visit to Vice Chancellor Prof. Kibett Rotich, where both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—marking the formal start of this transformative journey. The MOU was initially conceived through the efforts of a Community-Based Organization (CBO) names Dearing Eagles, with GROOTS Kenya later stepping in to provide Technical Support, Led by Peter, Bill and Dennis.
The event drew the attention of key public officials, including Mr. Peter Koro, Conservator of Forests, and Assistant Chief Ms. Martha Githengi. Their involvement underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving national goals like environmental conservation, community resilience, and gender inclusion. Their messages affirmed that the government stands ready to walk alongside communities and institutions in creating lasting impact.
This strategic alliance is more than just paperwork—it is a bold commitment to co-creating solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing Kenyan communities. Together, Laikipia University and GROOTS Kenya will roll out joint programs in:
GROOTS Kenya brings to the table decades of experience working with grassroots women across Kenya, while Laikipia University offers cutting-edge research, innovation, and a growing student base ready to apply knowledge where it matters most. “This partnership gives visibility and legitimacy to grassroots communities and their work” Ms. Eunice Mwangi noted in her speech.
The launch day wasn’t just about speeches—it was hands-on and symbolic. Attendees participated in the donation and planting of fruit tree seedlings, and the unveiling of a tree nursery at the university farm—a powerful gesture of environmental responsibility and shared growth.
In an interactive dialogue session, grassroots champions shared moving testimonies—stories of resilience, leadership, and how access to knowledge and opportunity can transform entire communities. University representatives echoed the call, pledging to embed real-world impact into their academic mission.
As Mr. Peter Koro noted during his speech, environmental conservation isn’t just a policy goal—it’s a community mission. He emphasized the role partnerships like this play in helping Kenya meet its reforestation and climate targets. Assistant Chief Martha Githengi reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting locally driven solutions, ensuring that the momentum created by this partnership continues to grow.
This partnership isn’t just about projects. It’s about reimagining how institutions and communities can work together—as equal partners—to unlock potential, empower the most marginalized, and create a sustainable future for all.
With hearts aligned and hands joined, Laikipia University and GROOTS Kenya have set out to plant more than trees—they’re planting hope, leadership, and transformation across Laikipia and beyond.
