KFG | Jane Gitau

About Us

KIVULINI FOOD GARAGE CBO, is established as a non-political, non-profit making, non-sectarian, voluntary, woman-led community-based organization based in Trans Nzoia County that mentor’s young people of both genders to be self-reliant and at one with nature. It seeks to be the springboard for transformation in Kenya’s breadbasket bringing a love for nature and farming among young people who currently see forests for their economic worth and farming as punishment.

We bring together communities, organizations, the youth and experts in various disciplines in all aspects of health, poverty reduction, climate change mitigation, education and mentorship.

Our Story

Founded in April 2023, Kivulini Food Garage stands as a testament to our profound commitment to fostering environmental consciousness among the youth. Our inception was inspired by the pressing need for a haven of rest and recreation for the ‘wananchi’ who found themselves grappling with the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the surge in mental health issues, particularly depression, we embarked on a mission to create a green sanctuary where individuals could escape the confines of their homes, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Our focus extends to the rehabilitation and reforestation of degraded areas and reclaimed forest lands, aligning with the Water Towers Agency’s recommendations. Promoting agroforestry for sustainable land management and increasing tree cover is paramount in our efforts. Before formal registration, we had already initiated a six-month mentorship program, which seamlessly continued post-registration for young people where we encourage them to dream, set long term goals and learn to nurture nature.

What We Do

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND COMPOSTING

Kivulini Food Garage uses the 3Rs principle, reduce, re-use, recycle. We re-use sacks and containers for composting and gardens on which to plant our crops. Through the provision of essential resources and tools, such as recycling bins and organic composting training and facilities, we empower individuals to proactively address waste management challenges within their homes, schools and sports facilities. Furthermore, we initiate dedicated environmental programs in schools and institutions and build upon existing environmental clubs with the aim to equip students and teachers with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of how plastic waste impacts our ecosystems and biodiversity.

ORGANIC KITCHEN GARDENS

Our organization actively promotes the engagement of youth in cultivating their own kitchen gardens using recycled materials, such as plastic bottles. Simultaneously, we collaborate to establish organic kitchen gardens in schools throughout Trans Nzoia. This initiative serves as a valuable educational platform where young individuals not only acquire knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices but also contribute to the community’s well-being by providing access to fresh and nutritious food. Beyond the educational aspect, these organic gardens hold potential as a catalyst for economic growth in the town. Surplus produce from these gardens can be either sold or shared, fostering entrepreneurship and significantly improving food security for local residents

MENTORSHIP

This program enables us to create youth mentorship opportunities, particularly for tertiary-level students, guiding them in making informed career choices while fostering an appreciation for agriculture and environmental interests, irrespective of their chosen career paths. Our emphasis lies in hands-on practical mentorship, with a focus on training sessions covering conservation practices, sustainable agriculture— specifically, the cultivation of organic kitchen gardens—waste reduction, and the establishment of nurseries. Inclusive in our mentorship approach is the provision of technical knowledge, equipping young individuals with essential skills crucial for employment. These encompass business development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and effective communication, ensuring a holistic mentorship experience that prepares them for various professional endeavors

OUR MISSION

To create an enabling environment for enhancing poverty eradication through education and carrying out agricultural activities aimed at improving the living standards of the people of Trans Nzoia County.

OUR VISION

To mobilize communities, organizations and individuals to share and participate in all aspects of education, health and poverty reduction in the county to provide shelter, life, food and sustenance.

OUR CORE VALUES

Integrity, Dynamism, unity with nature, volunteerism

Meet Our Team

JANE GITAU: PATRON

POLLYCATE KIIRU: CO-FOUNDER AND PROGRAMME LEAD

ANN MUTUNGI: TRAINING LEAD

DAVID NGIGE: OPERATIONS LEAD

WYCLIFFE KOECH: YOUTH COORDINATOR

BLOG

🌿LATEST STORIES

Kivulini Food Garage at the Local Conference of Youth: Raising Our Voices for Climate Action

When we first heard about the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), we knew we had to be there. As a team of passionate young people from Kivulini Food Garage, an organization deeply rooted in nature, community, and transformation, the idea of joining other youth voices to talk about climate change, climate finance, and the road to COP30 felt like exactly where we needed to be.

At Kivulini Food Garage, we’ve always believed that climate action begins where you are; in your home, your school, your shamba, your community. One of the biggest conversations at LCOY was around climate finance, how money flows, who has access to it, and what that means for grassroots organizations like ours. We learned that while the climate crisis is global, the solutions are deeply local. And for those solutions to work, local youth and women’s initiatives need direct access to funding, mentorship, and trust. It was refreshing to see that the youth voice is no longer being ignored. The discussions leading up to COP30 made us realize that the world is watching, but it’s also waiting for our generation to lead. And that’s exactly what we intend to do. We came back home reminded that Kivulini means “under the shade,” and like a tree, we are growing — creating space for others to find shade, safety, and strength in the work we do. #lcoykenya2025 #youthvoices #climateaction