Help build resilience to Climate Crisis in Kenya

Thank you for donating to this project which supports communities in Kenya facing the daily impact of climate change- affecting their health, livelihoods and ability to feed their families. We are excited to bring you the latest update from Naftally Kibet, field officer of our health programme. 

Communities across Kericho County are impacted by climate change and they're feeling the affects on their livelihoods, including threats to food security, stress in accessing clean water and the unsustainable use of natural resources. We are working with communities to build resilience to the effects of climate change and we do this across many of our programmes.

Smokeless Stoves- From the month of January to July, 823 smokeless stoves have been installed in communities across Kericho County. Smokeless stoves use less firewood hence reducing the number of trees cut down for firewood, it also improves indoor air quality and reduces greenhouse emissions in the atmosphere.

With each stove installed, a tree is planted - “A tree is not just a tree when we plant with purpose - whether its for food, fuel, income or shade - we protect our future and build resilience to climate change.”

In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and the communities, we have been able to plant indigenous trees (17 in both Masumbeti and Getarwet Girls,10 in Sosiot Spring and 40 in Ndubusat community) 300 cypress trees in Kaptele Secondary school, 28 avocado trees in households in Kamaua Village. And these trees will provide shade, reduce energy costs, improve health, combat climate change, provide food and improve livelihoods.

Climate Change Ambassadors- For information on climate change to effectively reach the community, we have trained 50 Climate Change Ambassadors so far. They will be training their communities on climate smart agriculture, encouraging them to plant trees and to adapt water preservation practices during rainy seasons for future use.

Water Springs- Water Springs are a key source of fresh, clean water in communities across Kericho County and protecting springs from contamination and erosion maintains consistent flow, which provides a reliable clean water supply in all seasons.

Through our cost sharing approach, in partnership with 6 communities, we are in the process of protecting six springs, which will benefit 957 households with 5,283 people and 12 schools. Women and girls undertake the majority of household tasks such as collecting firewood and clean water for use in the home. As a result of climate change, these daily tasks are taking longer and bringing them further from home and as a result tensions in the family give rise to an increase in gender based violence. 

Economic Empowerment- This programme supports registered groups across Kericho county. We provide them with 3-day training to improve their knowledge and skills and support them with Income generating resources. So far, we have supported 11 groups with projects related to climate change -  i.e. Beekeeping, coffee farming, sugar cane farming, tree nursery and avocado farming. In this training we include information and knowledge about climate change and encourage participants to take this into account when putting income generating plans into place.

Testimonies from community members -

“Before having the smokeless stove, cooking meals for my family was a challenge. The smoke from previous cooking methods filled our home affecting our health especially for my young children, with the introduction of the Lorena stove, I have noticed a significant improvement in our living environment, it has made our kitchen a safer and healthier space’’. Agnes, a mother from Kamaua Village in Kipkelion East.

“I want to express my gratitude for the support you provided through the Climate change Ambassadors training. This opportunity has significantly improved my knowledge and skills related to climate change and with this training i mobilised students from several schools, reaching over 1,000 students telling them about the importance of climate action. I also collaborated with ward climate change committees to secure 1200 cypress seedlings which were distributed to four schools, together we planted these trees creating a lasting impact on our community and environment’’. Judith, Climate Change Ambassador from Kaptelle, Bureti.

“Thank you, Brighter Communities, worldwide for your support in protecting our water spring which not only clean and water flows but also brings a better future for our children and generations to come” Ruth from Kaptembwo water spring.

These positive impacts and inspiring stories wouldn't be possible without your support. From all of us at Brighter Communities Worldwide and from communities across Kericho County, thank you for helping us build brighter futures!