RURAL INTEGRATED PROGRAME

The  project aims to enhance sustainable waste management in Mumias East and West by empowering communities and strengthening accountability between citizens and duty bearers. The initiative focuses on advocating for enforcement of county environmental laws, establishing structured waste off-take plans, training local community members to monitor and report environmental violations, and creating a Western Kenya Environmental Defenders Network to amplify joint advocacy efforts. Through multi-stakeholder dialogues, petitions, clean-up actions and civic education, the project seeks to protect the right to a clean and healthy environment, reduce pollution risk especially for women, youth and children, and improve county responsiveness in climate and environmental justice. This project is Supported by the Haki Ni Yetu Consortium and funded by the European Union.

Engages students, families, and schools across Kakamega County in sustainable tree planting and environmental stewardship. Through this initiative, students plant two trees at home each year with parental guidance, while school 4K and agroecology clubs propagate seedlings for community greening. The project fosters awareness on the importance of trees for climate resilience, biodiversity, and food security, with students documenting their efforts in “Tree Journals.” By linking schools, families, and communities, the program aims to plant over 585,000 trees in its first year, strengthen sustainability practices among young people, and create active school hubs for environmental education, supported by local education offices, NGOs, and forestry partners.

The Household Economic Strengthening Program by RUIP empowers OVC and HIV-affected households in Western Kenya to achieve food and income security through climate-smart kitchen gardens. By equipping families with skills and materials to grow nutritious food at home, the program enhances household nutrition, promotes sale of surplus produce for income, and builds resilience against climate change. Through partnerships with health facilities, faith-based organizations, and community groups, RUIP fosters self-reliance, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable families.