When I stepped into the rugged wilderness of Kajiado County, it was more than just a visit—it was a profound moment to reconnect with the community and environment that fuel the work of Illaramatak Youth Concerns (IYC). As a strategic leader at IYC, I had the privilege of joining other leaders to visit the organization’s headquarters, nestled in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya.

Illaramatak Youth Concerns is a beacon of hope for indigenous communities in this region, carrying on the legacy of its mother organization, Illaramatak Community Concerns. For over a decade, IYC has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives in Food Security and Water Sanitation, Climate and Environmental Change, Gender Justice, and Mental Health.

The visit allowed us to engage with the community, listen to their challenges, and refine our approaches to address them. Witnessing firsthand the resilience of these communities and their deep connection to the land was inspiring. It underscored the urgency of sustainable solutions in areas like climate adaptation and food security.

For me, this visit wasn’t just about strategy—it was about being reminded why we do this work. It reinforced my commitment to driving impactful change and elevating the voices of marginalized communities in Kajiado.

As we continue this journey at IYC, our mission is clear: to create lasting change for the communities we serve.

#OgwenosLeadership #IYCForChange #KajiadoImpact