Across Kenya, citizens are taking ownership of their role in shaping service delivery at the local level, driving impactful change in their counties. In Kilifi County, changemakers are playing a central part in improving livelihoods, education, and environmental conservation, proving that collective action and community engagement are essential for lasting progress. This youth-led movement is fueled by collaboration, storytelling, and active citizenship, showing how local changemakers can bridge gaps between citizens and governments.

One of the most remarkable examples of youth-driven change is One Million Trees 4 Kilifi, a grassroots organization led by Elphic Tossi. Elphic, a high school teacher in Kilifi, saw firsthand the devastating effects of climate change and food insecurity in his community. This inspired him to launch the One Million Trees 4 Kilifi initiative, which aims to plant one million fruit trees across Kilifi County. The organization’s mission is not only about tree planting but also about promoting climate justice and ensuring food security in a region heavily affected by deforestation.

Through partnerships and collaborations with other local organizations and changemakers at Maono Space, One Million Trees 4 Kilifi has planted over 300,000 trees to date. Moreover, Elphic’s use of storytelling has amplified his efforts beyond the borders of Kilifi. By documenting his work and sharing his journey on platforms like Change.org, he has been able to raise awareness about the plight of Kilifi’s baobab trees, even attracting global attention from media outlets like DW. Elphic’s Documentary on “Calling Back the Rains” in Kilifi County  further connected him with a researcher from Coventry University, forging a partnership to understand the community’s contributions to climate change mitigation. Clearly showing how storytelling, when effectively leveraged, can bring about collaborations and drive community-based solutions.

Maono provides support for this kind of storytelling. Through partnerships with organizations like Thellesi Trust, Elphic has become the most visible community-based organization leader in Kilifi County. Videos condemning deforestation and highlighting the plight of Kilifi’s ancient baobab trees have gone viral, attracting international media attention and sparking a global conversation around environmental sustainability.

Working with Local Journalists

Recognizing the important role journalism plays in highlighting and sharing the impactful work of CBOs, Maono Space has created networking events and resources to support Kilifi’s journalists. These efforts have connected journalists with industry professionals like Winnie Kamau, president of the Association of Freelance Journalists, who introduced local reporters to the power of data journalism. By using data to uncover hidden patterns and tell evidence-based stories, journalists can bring to light the systemic issues affecting their communities. By curating such  networking events between journalists, media professionals, and other stakeholders, Maono Space offers opportunities for skill-sharing, mentorship, and collaboration.

Nonetheless, local journalists in Kilifi County face challenges that hinder their effectiveness. Lack of proper equipment,limited training opportunities, and poor internet connectivity are major obstacles. Maono Space has addressed these issues in collaboration with the The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Open Institute, by providing journalists with working spaces equipped with modern computers and high-speed internet. Launched at the Maono Space in Malindi in March 2024, the Maono Media Centre aims to support the production of high-quality content and provide journalists with a conducive working environment.

Guiding Girls, Supporting Women

Maono’s commitment to supporting changemakers extends beyond environmental initiatives. The Girls to Women Foundation, operating within the Maono Space, is working to provide girls with opportunities in technology. Despite facing significant challenges, including financial constraints and cultural expectations, the foundation has persevered in its mission to equip young women with coding skills.

Zeinab Ijema faced opposition to her coding dream due to an arranged marriage. Despite this, she pursued her passion in Nairobi and returned home as a certified graphic and website designer. Her story shows the power of education in overcoming obstacles.

Making Education Accessible for Children

The Education Empowerment Initiative (EEI) has also been making strides in ensuring that education becomes a right, not a privilege, for children in Kilifi. With poverty rates in the county exceeding 70%, many students dropout of school due to financial hardships. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits opportunities for future generations.

Through the Education Empowerment Initiative, students like Peninnah—a Form 3 student who once faced insurmountable financial barriers—are now able to stay in school and pursue their dreams. The program provides not only financial support but also mentorship, ensuring that disadvantaged students have the tools to succeed. By investing in education, community members are helping break the cycle of poverty and building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Peninnah’s story, like Elphic’s, highlights how local changemakers can drive meaningful change when supported by their communities. Her teacher, Mrs. Celina, notes that Peninnah’s leadership and academic achievements have made her a role model for her peers. By uplifting young people at the grassroots level, the entire community benefits, leading to stronger, more resilient service delivery systems.

Kilifi County is experiencing a vibrant collaborative movement aimed at improving service delivery. Changemakers are stepping up, working together to develop sustainable solutions that address the challenges their communities face. This remarkable shift from being passive recipients of services to embracing active citizenship is actively shaping Kilifi’s future.

As we celebrate these significant achievements, it’s essential to recognize that this journey is far from over. By continually supporting changemakers through capacity building, training and finding, we can ensure that more communities are transformed and  progress is made for citizens in Kenya and other parts of Africa. 

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