Young trees at the Operation Got Owaga project siteKoru–Muhoroni, Kenya

Rooted in community · Growing for tomorrow

A greener future begins with the land beneath us.

We restore landscapes, nurture community livelihoods and inspire a new generation to care for Africa’s natural heritage.

Explore our journey
Since 2009Environmental action shaped by people and place

01 — Who we are

Healthy ecosystems.
Secure communities.

Biocarbon Imperatives-Africa is a Kenyan non-governmental organization working toward a sustainable, healthy and secure future for all. Our work grew from Professor Richard Samson Odingo’s environmental leadership and the support that followed the 2009 Gambrinus Giuseppe Mazzotti Award.

Our vision

A sustainable, healthy and secure future for all.

Our mission

Reduce carbon emissions through reforestation, improve human welfare and advance a green economy.

02 — What we do

Conservation that
works for people.

We work with rural communities, women and young people—alongside researchers, government, donors and local leaders—to create practical, lasting change.

01

Restore

Reforest degraded land, riparian areas and catchments with indigenous vegetation.

02

Regenerate

Advance agroforestry, water conservation and land practices that restore productivity.

03

Empower

Strengthen women, youth and rural livelihoods through skills, clean energy and enterprise.

04

Share

Reconnect traditional knowledge, research and environmental education across generations.

Community members taking part in a tree planting activity
Communities are at the centre of every lasting environmental solution.

03 — Operation Got Owaga

Progress,
year by year.

From the first two hectares to community livelihoods and environmental education, explore the milestones that shaped the project.

The foundation year

Launching Got Owaga

Professor Richard Odingo donated two hectares at Koru–Muhoroni, creating an accessible base for long-term restoration. The land was prepared and fenced, and a small shelter was built for site security.

  • Indigenous and selected tree species planted
  • Tree nursery established to replace losses
  • Seedlings shared with women’s groups and neighbours

Mobility & learning

Connecting the project

A Toyota Hilux 4×4 was acquired with Bioforest support, strengthening access and project operations. Nearby Kandege Primary School received computing equipment and practical digital training.

  • Project vehicle purchased and equipped
  • Two computers, printer and internet access supplied
  • Pupils trained to document and share tree-planting activities

Growing reach

Land, livelihoods & awareness

Seventeen acres were added for reforestation, agroforestry and income-generating activities. Partnerships expanded the project into beekeeping, solar lanterns and public environmental action.

  • Apiary established with first beehives
  • Solar lantern incentives energized tree planting
  • 14 tonnes of waste removed and 55 trees planted in Kisumu
  • Climate adaptation workshop convened diverse partners

Building continuity

A trust for the future

The Richard and Alice Odingo Environment Trust was formed to support continuity and generate income for tree planting and community initiatives.

  • Newly acquired land placed under the Trust
  • Second tractor, plough and harrow acquired
  • Eleven-acre plot fenced
  • Two small dams created for dry-season horticulture

Resilience & clean energy

Adapting while expanding

Although road expansion affected part of the original site, tree planting continued and the project widened its community footprint through a government-supported partnership.

  • New seedlings planted to fill gaps
  • Tree and crop integration continued
  • Solar-lantern programme reached four counties
  • More than 800 women benefited

Sustainable livelihoods

The dairy goat project

With Soroptimist partners, Got Owaga launched a dairy-goat initiative for the Ochoria Tumaini Women Group—linking income, nutrition and environmentally responsible farming.

  • Nine female goats and one male goat purchased
  • Beneficiaries built sheds and provided feed and veterinary care
  • Offspring-sharing model designed to reach every member
  • Manure used to grow indigenous vegetables

04 — What guides us

Five values.
One shared responsibility.

SustainabilityCareTeamworkAccountabilityIntegrity