Aligned with the 8th Corporate Plan (2024-2028), “Dignified Livelihoods, Resilient Communities” (Galatians 6:9), the region focuses on harnessing agricultural potential, enhancing food security, and promoting retention and access to quality, relevant, and affordable value-based basic and tertiary education. Other priorities include economic empowerment, inclusive development, and strengthening governance and community resilience. Recent efforts have advanced sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and participatory governance, fostering growth, equity, and resilience.
Laikipia County
Laikipia County faces significant marginalization, driven by several key factors. These include insecurity, an arid climate that contributes to food insecurity, historical development disparities, and geographical challenges. A large portion of the county’s budget is consumed by security concerns, which has hindered progress in other critical areas. Additionally, the lack of major water projects has worsened food insecurity, particularly in a region already grappling with harsh climatic conditions. Historically, development efforts have favored towns at the edges of the county, leaving the interior underserved. The vastness of Laikipia further complicates the provision of essential infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity, exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents.
To address these issues, NCCK plans to implement targeted programs aimed at improving the quality of life in Laikipia. These initiatives will focus on enhancing food security, promoting the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, and building community resilience to the impacts of climate change. Efforts will also be made to strengthen governance at both the county and national levels, fostering enhanced peaceful coexistence among communities. Ultimately, the goal is to empower communities with the skills and resources needed for sustainable and dignified livelihoods, ensuring they thrive despite the challenges they face.
Nyandarua County
Nyandarua County is a key agricultural hub in Kenya, recognized as the leading producer of Irish potatoes and a major contributor to national food security. Its fertile soils, favorable climate, and diverse crop and livestock enterprises provide a strong foundation for smallholder farmers. However, the county faces critical challenges, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and damaging frost, which have significantly impacted crop yields and farmer incomes. Additional constraints such as poor agronomic practices, limited access to certified seeds, and the predominance of small-scale, rain-fed farming, all of which hinder the county’s agricultural potential.
NCCK is strategic in promoting sustainable agriculture through training farmers in conservation techniques and facilitating access to markets, ensuring they can maximize yields and income. Simultaneously, the organization empowers youth with mentorship & entrepreneurship programs, equipping them with skills to start businesses and create job opportunities, fostering economic resilience and reducing dependency in line with the vision of dignified livelihoods.
Nyeri County
Despite Nyeri County’s fertile land and agricultural productivity, certain areas, particularly in Kieni Constituency, experience drought during periods of low rainfall. These conditions leave local communities vulnerable to the harsh impacts of drought, including food insecurity, loss of livestock, and limited access to water for domestic use, perpetuating cycles of poverty. To address these challenges, NCCK will develop and implement programs aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening community resilience to the effects of climate change. By promoting sustainable practices and empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to adapt to environmental challenges, these initiatives seek to build a stronger, more sustainable society capable of thriving despite adversities.
Kirinyaga County
Despite Nyeri County’s fertile land and agricultural productivity, certain areas, particularly in Kieni Constituency, experience drought during periods of low rainfall. These conditions leave local communities vulnerable to the harsh impacts of drought, including food insecurity, loss of livestock, and limited access to water for domestic use, perpetuating cycles of poverty. To address these challenges, NCCK will develop and implement programs aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening community resilience to the effects of climate change. By promoting sustainable practices and empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to adapt to environmental challenges, these initiatives seek to build a stronger, more sustainable society capable of thriving despite adversities.
Embu County
Embu County continues to face a range of challenges, including gender inequality, political and community tensions, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and unfavorable climatic conditions. The situation is particularly severe in Mbeere, where recurrent droughts leave communities highly vulnerable.
To address these issues, the council will design and implement programs aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change, equipping them with the capacity to adapt to harsh environmental conditions. Efforts will also focus on promoting gender equality through targeted interventions that empower women and address systemic inequalities. Additionally, tackling deeply rooted cultural practices such as FGM will be a priority, with advocacy and education playing a key role in shifting societal norms.
Murang'a County
The county continues to grapple with environmental degradation resulting from poor environmental conservation practices, lack of community empowerment, unemployment, misappropriation of public funds, high poverty levels and high political tensions leaving the communities vulnerable to conflict. To respond to these challenges, NCCK addresses these issues by fostering peace and social cohesion through dialogues and community engagement initiatives, creating platforms for reconciliation and understanding and strengthening their capacity to engage meaningfully in governance processes. Concurrently, she enhances educational opportunities by providing scholarships and supporting school infrastructure, empowering the next generation with knowledge and skills to build a more harmonious and prosperous future.
