The official launch of MKYIER at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi Kenya on 8th November

The Mount Kenya Youth Initiative for Ecosystem Restoration (MKYIER), a non-profit making community based organization based mainly in the Mount Kenya Region was founded and is run by urban and rural youths volunteers who have their ancestral roots in Mount Kenya Region. It is piloting its projects in Mathira

The organization was launched officially on the 08.11.06 at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi in a colorful event. The launch was graced by the presence of Dr M. Mwinzi, the Director General National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

NEMA Director General Dr Muusya
Mwinzi during the MKYIER launch.

Ms. Sylvia Wachira (left) and Dr Mwinzi Launching MKYIER

In his speech Dr. Mwinzi reiterated the need to emphasize the importance of good environment management practices, and engaging the youth, who are an untapped bountyful resource, in ecosystem restoration activities and the seriousness of the effects of environmental degradation.

Other speakers during the launch included: Mr. Peter Kuguru, CEO Kuguru Food Complex Ltd, Prof. Akpezi Ougbuigwe, Head of Environmental Training Unit, United Nations Environment Programme, John Burugu, senior Secretary Ministry of Youth Afffairs (MOYA), Invited guests included habitants of Mathira division who currently live in major urban towns, Private and public stakeholders, scientists and educationists. It brought the old and the young together harmonizing the energy and enthusiasm of the youth and the wisdom and expertise of the older generation

Prof Akpezi Ogbuigwe of UNEP addresses the guests at the Launch.

The need to invest in the youth and Environment degrading practices that are on the increase today.

In her address to the guests the Organization’s Chairperson, Ms Sylvia Wachira, sighted the noticeable changes in the environment in a short period and the need to create an environment conservation culture amongst our communities to avert major calamities in the future.

She restated the organization’s mission to create sound environment management practices and promotion of Agro-forestry to empower the youth to harness their potential in all matters towards sustainable development, which is well embedded in its activities and in tandem with the Millennium Development Goals that Kenya aspires to achieve.

In conclusion, Sylvia informed the participants that Initiatives such as The Mount Kenya Youth Initiative for Ecosystem Restoration are a wake up call to the public and private sector in Kenya that environmental degradation is on the increase.