TRANS NZOIA, October 27, 2025 — The Beyond Zero Initiative joined Rotaract Earth Initiative – Kenya Edition, at a transformative three-day event themed “Sowing Seeds of Change: Community Resilience at the Foot of Mt. Elgon.” The event which took place in Suam Forest and Anderson Medical Centre, Chepchoina Ward in Trans Nzoia County brought together youth volunteers, health professionals, and community leaders to advance environmental restoration, women’s health, and youth empowerment.
The Rotaract Earth Initiative (REI), launched in Uganda in 2015, is East Africa’s premier youth-led movement championing environmental protection and community resilience. Now in its 11th edition and hosted in Kenya for the first time, the initiative unites Rotaract Districts 9212 (Kenya) and 9214 (Uganda) in promoting sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, 13, and 15.
This year’s edition which ran from 24-26 October, focused on addressing the intertwined challenges of deforestation, limited access to healthcare, and gender inequality around Mt. Elgon. Activities included reforestation of five acres of Suam Forest, free medical services to underserved residents, leadership mentorship for students, and the empowerment of adolescent girls through dignity kits and health education.
As part of the partnership, Beyond Zero donated medical supplies, including screening tools for cervical cancer, to enhance early detection and treatment during the medical outreach. The equipment, coupled with services offered by volunteer medical teams, helped provide comprehensive healthcare to hundreds of residents, focusing on maternal, optical, dental and overall community health needs.
In addition, Beyond Zero and Rotaract distributed sanitary towels and reusable pads in dignity packs to more than 500 adolescent girls at the Andersen Education Centre. The gesture aimed to keep girls in school by tackling period poverty and menstrual stigma, ensuring that no girl misses out on education due to lack of menstrual products.
The collaboration between Beyond Zero and Rotaract reflects a shared vision of empowering communities through preventive healthcare, education, and sustainable environmental practices. By integrating health, environment, and youth empowerment, the initiative strengthens local resilience while inspiring collective action for a healthier and greener future.
