KENAFF Showcases Youth-Led Reforestation and Sustainable Farm Forestry at KALRO Muguga Complex Open Week 2026

The Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) recently participated in the KALRO Muguga Complex Open Week 2026, held from the 27th to the 28th of March 2026. The event served as a high-impact platform for the federation to highlight its commitment to environmental stewardship and youth empowerment. Centered around the Nurseries for Youth Development Project (NYDP), the KENAFF exhibit was a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, practical demonstrations, and the distribution of high-quality seedlings.

Advancing The NYDP Vision

A primary focus of the exhibition was the NYDP’s mission to transition traditional tree nurseries into implemented farm forestry and afforestation initiatives. Led by the vision of Fridah Kagwiria (NYDP Project Lead), this 3-year initiative (2024–2026) aims to bridge the gap between environmental conservation and economic viability for Kenyan youth.

The project is strategically implemented across six target counties: Kwale, Murang’a, Meru, Nakuru, Bomet, and Migori. By establishing up to 20 youth-led nurseries—including 6 main centers and 14 satellite sites—the initiative ensures a sustainable supply of high-quality planting materials while creating employment for young people in rural Kenya. This targeted regional approach aligns with the national goal of achieving 30% tree cover by 2032.

The success of the Murang’a nursery operations was also on full display, thanks to the dedicated management of Eunice Muiruri (Nursery Manager, Murang’a) and Josseck Gachanja (Assistant Nursery Manager, Murang’a). Their technical expertise in maintaining high nursery standards has been instrumental in providing farmers with the quality planting materials showcased throughout the two-day event.

Collaborative Partnerships and Support

The impact of the NYDP is made possible through strategic cooperation with international and technical partners. KENAFF is proud to work with the Andreas Hermes Akademie (AHA) as a primary project implementation partner. Furthermore, the project is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, whose backing is vital in driving these climate-positive and youth-centric agricultural solutions.

A Diverse Range of Seedlings

The KENAFF stand drew a diverse audience, ranging from seasoned smallholder farmers to students interested in modern agribusiness. Visitors were particularly impressed by the wide variety of premium, certified seedlings available for purchase and learning, including:

Fruit Trees: High-demand varieties such as Grafted Hass Avocado, Purple Passion Fruit, Soursop, Pawpaw, and Almond.
Indigenous and Fodder Species: Essential trees like Warburgia ugandensis and fodder trees like Leucaena, which are critical for soil health and livestock support.

Knowledge Exchange and Community Engagement

Experts provided hands-on guidance on the technical care of these species to ensure high survival rates once transplanted. The presence of young leaders at the forefront of the exhibition underscored KENAFF’s belief in youth as the primary drivers of agricultural innovation and climate resilience. The interaction between the project team and the visiting public proved that when given the right tools, the youth can lead Kenya’s green revolution.

Tangible Impact on the Ground

The success of the Open Week was reflected in the high level of interest in KENAFF’s nursery products. Numerous attendees left the KALRO Muguga Complex equipped with seedlings to begin or expand forestry projects on their own farms. This direct transfer of resources ensures that the insights shared during the event translate into immediate, green growth within the community.

As “The Farmers’ Voice,” KENAFF remains dedicated to scaling the Nurseries for Youth Development Project (NYDP) and similar initiatives. By aligning reforestation efforts with youth development, the federation continues to secure a more sustainable and productive future for the Kenyan agricultural sector.

Why Join KENAFF?

Becoming a member of the federation means joining a community dedicated to the prosperity of the Kenyan farmer. Beyond events like the KALRO Open Week, KENAFF members enjoy significant professional and personal advantages:

Lobbying and Advocacy: We represent “Sauti ya Mkulima” at all levels of government to ensure favorable agricultural policies.
Capacity Building: Members gain access to specialized training, technical workshops, and farmer-to-farmer exchange programs.
Market & Financial Linkages: We connect our members to reliable markets and financial services tailored for the agricultural sector.
Information Access: Stay updated with the latest research, weather patterns, and agricultural innovations through our extensive network.

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