At Mt. Kenya Network Forum (MKNF), we believe that climate action begins at the grassroots. That’s why we proudly joined the Gigatonne Challenge, a global initiative spearheaded by Complexity University, with an ambitious mission to remove 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2030 through community-led, verifiable climate solutions.
What is the Gigatonne Challenge?
The Gigatonne Challenge, launched by Complexity University, is more than a climate target—it’s a global movement. It brings together local action cells around the world to implement solutions that reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere. Whether it’s planting trees, composting, or shifting to renewable energy, each action contributes to a measurable global impact.
Our Role as the Mt. Kenya Network Forum
In 2024, MKNF formed an active climate action cell under the Gigatonne Challenge framework. Our work, guided by the principles of Complexity University’s systems-thinking approach, focused on:
- Establishing community fruit tree nurseries to increase carbon sequestration
- Educating youth and women’s groups on composting and organic waste management
- Promoting clean cooking technologies to reduce deforestation and emissions
- Participating in environmental conservation campaigns across the Mt. Kenya region
Each of these actions was documented, verified, and shared with the Gigatonne global network as part of our measurable carbon reduction efforts.
Measurable Impact
Here’s what we achieved in our first year:
- 3,000+ fruit and indigenous trees planted
- 5 community composting sites established
- 500+ people trained on low-carbon practices
- 80 households adopted clean cookstoves
These local victories may seem small, but collectively, they contribute to the global gigatonne goal—and every tonne of CO₂ counts.
Why It Matters
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s happening now. Droughts, erratic rainfall, and biodiversity loss are already affecting the Mt. Kenya region. Through the Gigatonne Challenge, we’re empowering our communities to move from climate anxiety to climate action, using locally adapted and culturally relevant solutions.
What’s Next?
MKNF is expanding its climate cells to other parts of the region, integrating climate education into schools, and working with partners to scale sustainable livelihoods that protect nature while reducing emissions.
We are grateful to Complexity University for facilitating this opportunity and for equipping grassroots organizations like ours with the tools, frameworks, and global platform to take bold, meaningful climate action.
We invite other organizations, schools, and community groups to join us in this journey. Together, we can shift the climate trajectory from hopelessness to hope—one community at a time.
