On 11^th May 2023, KEPSA Foundation led by the Executive Director, Ms. Gloria Ndekei, held a meeting with Smart Mechanized Agriculture & Climate Action for Humanity and Sustainability (SMACHS) Foundation led by its Patron, Ms. Charlene Ruto, at KEPSA Offices. The aim of the meeting was to discuss areas of collaboration in the contribution to the attainment of food security and climate action.

Ms. Ruto underscored the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in the promotion of sustainable climate action and the Kenya’s agricultural renaissance in response to the high rates of unemployment and negative effects of climate change in the country. She further recognized KEPSA Foundation as a strategic partner for providing opportunities and a platform to engage with in advancing SMACHS’ work which is organized along Youth2Farm and Climate Action Pillars.

Ms Ndekei on her part highlighted that the two organizations have potential to collaborate in undertaking plastic recycling activities in communities for youth and women, thus enhancing conservation and preservation of environment. The partnership will also extend to raising awareness on methods of recycling waste, trainings of youth and women groups on how to recycle plastic waste, converging thought leaders, experts and companies in the plastic recycling space.

The meeting further agreed to collaborate in commemorating the 50^th Edition of World Environmental Day through a Sustainable Alternatives Symposium under the focus on shifting the paradigm on Kenya’s approach to plastic waste through the following areas:

• Jointly developing key messages on circular economy for wide dissemination
• Undertaking stakeholder analysis in the recycling space
• Training and mentorship on plastic waste value chain as an income-generating activity

The Meeting was also attended by the KEPSA Sports, Arts and Culture Vice-chair, Ms. Carol Warui, Mr. Nelson Maina from Elgon Kenya Ltd, and the SMACHS Chief executive Officer, Mr. Nathan Kikwai.