The signing marks the culmination of an engagement process that began on 30th April 2025, when ACEECA held initial consultations with the County Government. That earlier visit focused on introducing the ACEECA mandate and exploring areas of synergy to support the county’s environmental conservation and climate resilience agenda. Through open dialogue, both parties identified shared priorities and the need for a structured collaboration framework, leading to the MoU signed on Tuesday, January 13 2026.

Under the partnership, ACEECA and the County Government will work together across several strategic focus areas, including school greening programmes, promotion of circular economy models, river and landscape rehabilitation, water resource management, and youth and women empowerment. These areas were identified as critical to strengthening ecosystem protection while supporting sustainable livelihoods within communities.

One of the environmental concerns highlighted during the engagements was unsustainable sand harvesting, which has contributed to land degradation, riverbank erosion, and ecosystem disruption in parts of the county. While not the sole focus of the MoU, the issue will be addressed through targeted interventions aimed at promoting sustainable sand harvesting practices that balance environmental protection with community needs.

Speaking during the MoU signing, ACEECA chief Executive Officer, Ms. Pamela Gitobu emphasized the importance of partnerships between Non Governmental Organizations and county governments in driving practical, community-centered solutions to environmental and climate challenges. She noted that effective conservation must go hand in hand with education, inclusion, and local ownership.

County leadership welcomed the collaboration, noting that the ACEECA technical expertise, advocacy experience, and community engagement approach will strengthen the county’s ongoing efforts to safeguard natural resources and build resilience against climate-related risks.

The MoU provides a framework for joint planning, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives that promote environmental sustainability while empowering communities, particularly young people and women, to play an active role in conservation and green economic opportunities.

The ACEECA–Taita Taveta partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting ecosystems, restoring landscapes, and ensuring that development today does not compromise the wellbeing of future generations.

Beyond The Headlines

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During the activity, students joined ACEECA’s team in planting bamboo, grevillea, and calliandra—species selected for their fast growth, ecological value, and resilience. The exercise not only expanded the school’s green cover but also contributed to healthier ecosystems within the surrounding landscape. Learners expressed enthusiasm as they participated in the planting, gaining practical knowledge on how tree restoration supports soil health, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.

Beyond the tree-planting, ACEECA facilitated an interactive discussion focused on climate change, environmental stewardship, and the role of young people in building sustainable communities. The session emphasized daily actions—such as responsible waste management, water conservation, and maintaining planted trees—that learners can adopt to enhance environmental resilience.

ACEECA’s Project Officer, Ms. Sharon Cherono highlighted the importance of involving schools in long-term restoration efforts, noting that empowering learners today builds a future generation that is conscious, informed, and proactive in addressing climate challenges.

The Materi Boys event marks another milestone in ACEECA’s mission to restore degraded landscapes, promote climate education, and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility across learning institutions in Kenya.

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Led by ACEECA Chief Executive Officer, Pamela Gakii, ACEECA Communications Officer, Collins Oteko and Project Lead, Sharon Cherono, the delegation engaged with County Governor H.E. Dr. Andrew Mwadime, along with key county officials including the Chief Officer for Environment and Natural Resource Management, Elizabeth Mbinga, and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, several strategic areas for collaboration were identified, emphasizing the county’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Notable initiatives discussed included school greening programs, promotion of circular economy models, river and landscape rehabilitation, water resource management, and youth and women empowerment.

One of the highlighted proposals was to implement school greening projects by planting fruit trees such as avocados, mangoes, and macadamia nuts on unused land within schools. This initiative aims to promote environmental education and agroforestry, especially involving youth groups like the 4K Clubs.

ACEECA also expressed interest in promoting alternatives to charcoal and supporting the existing Charcoal Association to reduce reliance on indigenous trees, thus conserving forest resources. The rehabilitation of critical river systems, particularly the Mwamsha Water Source, was emphasized, given its importance in supplying water to over 50,000 residents and institutions like Taita Taveta University.

Water scarcity remains a significant concern, especially in areas like Rong’e Ward, where sand harvesting has led to river degradation. ACEECA was encouraged to commence work in this region, with proposed interventions including dam rehabilitation and the strategic placement of beehives along buffer zones to naturally deter wild animals and provide honey-based income opportunities.

The county also highlighted the high unemployment rates among youth and women, urging ACEECA to develop programs that foster green entrepreneurship, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, there was a focus on boosting the banana value chain, which is vital to the county’s economy, through capacity building, processing, and market linkages.

In a move to expand its reach, ACEECA was invited to include Chapia Ward in its scope of work, recognizing the environmental concerns and community-driven restoration opportunities in the area.

Next steps include the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Elizabeth Mbinga, expected to be shared with ACEECA for review by May 1st, 2025. The organization will also prioritize initial interventions in Rong’e Ward, conducting baseline assessments to inform implementation strategies.

The visit signifies a promising partnership focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, and community empowerment. County officials expressed optimism about working together with ACEECA to realize transformative environmental actions that benefit local communities, especially youth and women, aligning with the broader county development agenda.

This collaboration marks a hopeful stride towards a greener, more resilient Taita Taveta County.

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