Our Pillars
We are grounded by four fundamental pillars, each designed to support our mission of promoting environmental sustainability & solutions.
Youth Action
Youth Action is dedicated to empowering young leaders and promoting their involvement in environmental initiatives. We offer a range of projects, educational programs, and mentorship opportunities to inspire and nurture a generation of eco-conscious individuals.
Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge Sharing aims to create a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem where information flows freely. Through webinars, workshops, and forums, we facilitate the exchange of insights, research, and best practices. By fostering a community of informed individuals and organizations, we seek to build a reservoir of expertise that drives collective environmental action forward.
Policy Influence
Policy Influence is dedicated to shaping the policies that govern our environmental future. Through advocacy, research, and strategic partnerships, we engage with policymakers to influence decisions that prioritize sustainability. By bridging the gap between research and policy implementation, we work towards a regulatory landscape that reflects our commitment to a greener, more sustainable world.
Capacity Building
Capacity Building focuses on equipping individuals and organizations with the tools and skills necessary to navigate environmental challenges. Through training programs, mentorship initiatives, and resource development, we empower our stakeholders to effect change in their communities, fostering a network of capable and dedicated environmental stewards.
THE IMPACT
Bustani Gardens
The Bustani Gardens Program is revolutionizing environmental engagement through hands-on learning and sustainable food systems. Since 2021, we've established thriving school gardens across six Kenyan counties, planting indigenous trees, creating productive vegetable plots, and setting up tree nurseries while delivering impactful environmental education. Our published impact report demonstrates how these living classrooms foster ecological stewardship among youth. Looking ahead, we're expanding to more schools, developing a practical conservation curriculum, and extending garden installations into communities to create deeper roots for sustainability. This program isn't just growing plants—it's cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious leaders and resilient communities, one garden at a time.
Afrika Youth Caravan to COP
This program empowers young people to make a difference through decentralized engagement and by providing a platform for their contributions at major climate conferences. The inaugural edition of the Afrika Youth Caravan to COP27 featured four sub-regional workshops on resilience, just energy transition, and youth action. We launched the impactful Afrikan Youth Statement at COP 27 and sponsored 20 youth for active participation at UNFCCC COP 27. The second edition of the program focused on initiatives and funding for on-the-ground climate actions. We also collaborated for youth capacity-building towards COP28 through strategic partnerships. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we aim to continue supporting Afrikan youth initiatives and strive for actual resources to scale impactful solutions. We are also empowering youth for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and seeking resources to make this happen.
Technology for Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are essential for protecting ecosystems and benefiting both nature and humanity. At KEAN, we use advanced technology, such as GIS mapping and smartphone applications, to gather real-time data on restoration projects. Our evidence-based practices are shared globally through open-source maps. We believe that technology plays a critical role in monitoring and tracking restoration efforts, and we showcase community initiatives using drone imagery. Working with DUAPA, meaning "Good Tree," . KEAN collaborates with communities across five African countries, emphasizing the importance of trees in reforestation and the role of nature tech in climate restoration and resilient interventions. Together, we are unlocking the potential of nature and technology for a sustainable future.
Friends of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration
Hidden beneath the surface of drylands and degraded ecosystems lies an underground forest that holds immense potential for restoring landscapes and fostering regenerative food systems. Kean International, with the help of dedicated partners, is pioneering the Friends of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) initiative. Our goal is to introduce practical and cost-effective restoration practices to communities. By meticulously managing, pruning, and incorporating techniques, we aim to empower communities to nurture farm-based trees and plants. This not only enhances soil nutrient content but also provides essential benefits to crops, resulting in improved yields. We invite like-minded partners to join us on this extraordinary journey and contribute to the transformative impact it brings to landscapes, communities, and livelihoods.