Roots of Resilience: The Oldonyo Orok Success Story
Transforming Kajiado’s Youth through Climate Action and Economic Empowerment
Executive Summary
Founded in 2020 amidst the global silence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oldonyo Orok Youth CBO has emerged as a beacon of hope in Maili Tisa, Kajiado Central. What began as a group of young people seeking a common cause has evolved into a dynamic, youth-led movement tackling the triple threats of drug abuse, economic vulnerability, and climate change. By bridging the gap between traditional pastoralism and modern climate science, Oldonyo Orok is building a future where Kajiado’s youth are sober, financially independent, and climate-resilient.
Chapter 1: From Crisis to Conservation (2020–2022)
While the world retreated indoors in 2020, the youth of Maili Tisa stepped out. Recognizing that the prolonged droughts and drying water towers were threatening their community’s very existence, the group settled on a noble mission: reforestation.
The Indigenous Tree Nursery Project
In 2021, supported by the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) through the President’s Post-COVID Economic Stimulus Program, Oldonyo Orok established an indigenous tree nursery.
Impact by the Numbers: 30,000+ seedlings propagated.
Community Integration: 10,000 trees planted by the group, with the remainder donated to schools and public institutions.
A Landmark Success: The reforestation of Oldonyo Orok Polytechnic achieved a 90% success rate, leading to a high-profile visit from the then Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Hon. Keriako Tobiko, in August 2022.
Chapter 2: Knowledge as a Shield (2023–2024)
As the devastating drought of 2022 claimed 38% of Kajiado’s livestock, the need for climate adaptation became a matter of survival. Partnering with the Firelight Foundation, Oldonyo Orok launched the Community Driven Systems Change for Youth Resiliency and Belonging Project (CDSC4YRB).
Mentorship and Mindset Shifts
Over two years, the CBO engaged 812 community youth in customized mentorship programs focused on climate mitigation and adaptation.
“During our midline evaluation in 2024, an astonishing 98% of youth reported being conversant with climate change, identifying at least two adaptation techniques.”
This phase proved that the community was ready to move from understanding the problem to implementing the solution. The youth demanded a “living classroom”—a space to practice what they had learned.
Chapter 3: The Youth Climate Resilience Center (2025–Present)
In 2025, Oldonyo Orok transformed an idea into a physical reality. The organization’s board ratified the leasing of a 5-acre piece of land to establish a Youth Climate Resilience Center and Demonstration Farm. As a Hub of Innovation,The center serves as a “safe space” where youth can pilot climate-smart livelihoods. Key milestones include:
Scaling Up: In partnership with NETFUND and the GEF 7 Project, the tree nursery capacity was expanded to 100,000 seedlings, and further mobilization led to including 1,000 fruit trees to promote agroforestry.
Commercial Beekeeping: We supported the Matapato Youth Beekeepers by establishing a 240-beehive apiary. We provided 10 hives, facilitated a partnership with KALRO for 70 more, and secured a buy-back contract with Savannah Honey.
Organic Production: A young women’s group was supported to launch an organic soap and detergent production unit within the farm.
Outreach: Beyond our borders, we supported the Ilmirishi Reto Association with infrastructure for a 50,000-capacity tree nursery.
Chapter 4: The Vision for 2026 and Beyond
As we move through 2026, the Youth Resilience Center is evolving into Kajiado County’s ultimate training facility.
Our 2026 Strategic Commitments:
Educational Excellence: The facility now features full conferencing and training infrastructure.
Livestock Revolution: We have established fodder production demonstrations featuring dairy goats and improved livestock breeds to modernize pastoral livelihoods.
Financial Literacy: We are committed to reaching 10 additional youth groups, providing capacity building in group dynamics and financial management.
Seed Funding: We are not just training; we are launching. Oldonyo Orok will actively support the takeoff of activities for these 10 groups to ensure sustainable economic independence.
Conclusion: A Call to Partnership
Oldonyo Orok Youth CBO is a testament to what happens when local knowledge meets strategic partnership. We have moved from planting seeds in the ground to planting ideas in the minds of the next generation. We invite you to join us as we cultivate a resilient, prosperous, and green Kajiado.