Upward Living Centre
Region
Africa
Country
Kenya
Flyway
East Africa – Central Asia flyway
Initiative
WLI Africa
About
Name of organisation
Rural African Matters
Funding support
Nature Kenya, Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resource and Climate Change (Trans-Nzoia County)
Number of staff
8 core staff (programme, finance, field coordinators)
Number of visitors per year
Approx. 2,500–3,500 community members, students, and stakeholders
Overall aims of the centre
To promote community-led conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods in the Cherang’any and lower KBA landscapes.
Description of the centre
The centre operates across multiple community-managed sites within the Cherang’any landscape in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, covering an estimated 500+ hectares of forest-edge areas, wetlands, riverine corridors, farmlands, and degraded landscapes under restoration.
The site supports diverse habitats, including montane forest edges, riparian zones, seasonal wetlands, grasslands, and agro-ecological farming areas. Key species supported include sitatunga, grey crowned crane, primates (including De Brazza’s monkey), colobus monkeys, and freshwater turtles, among other bird, amphibian, and small mammal species.
Activities conducted include community training sessions, tree nursery establishment, wetland and riparian restoration, biodiversity monitoring, youth conservation programmes, climate awareness forums, and conservation education. Demonstration sites and learning plots serve as practical exhibits for restoration techniques and sustainable land-use practices rather than formal indoor exhibitions.
The centre engages approximately 2,500–3,500 visitors per year, including community members, youth groups, schools, local leaders, and partner organizations.
The site is situated in Makutano Ward, Cherang’any Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, within the broader Cherang’any ecosystem and its associated lower KBA areas.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
1. Communication: Environmental communication and awareness-raising through radio talks, community forums, public dialogues, and local media on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and wetland protection.
2. Education: Conservation and climate education for youth, schools, and adult learners, focusing on ecosystem services, restoration practices, and sustainable livelihood
3. Participation: Community mobilization and participation in tree planting, wetland and riparian restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning.
4. Youth Engagement: Youth leadership development through clubs, mentorship programmes, and peer-to-peer learning on climate action and environmental stewardship.
5. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Facilitating dialogue between communities, local authorities, and conservation partners to strengthen inclusive conservation governance.
Top three successes
1. Community-led restoration initiatives: – strong local ownership and participation have improved survival of restoration activities.
2. Youth engagement programmes: – effective use of youth clubs and peer mentorship to promote conservation and climate action.
3. Partnership-based implementation: – successful collaboration with Nature Kenya, County Government of Trans-Nzoia and other partners under Green Futures Corridor (GFC) Initiative and KBA programmes.
Top three challenges
1. Limited funding continuity: – affects long-term planning and scale-up.
2. Capacity constraints at community level: – ongoing need for technical training and mentorship.
3. Environmental pressure on lower KBA areas: – highlights the need for stronger policy support and financing mechanisms.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning.
Contact
Name: Allan Sai Agesa
Address:1971-30200
Telephone:+254715397823
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