Kenzugi

I have over 25 years of experience in social and environmental development as well as post-conflict reconstruction for some of the largest international development organizations. Based in Kenya, my organization, Kenzugi, is a hybrid group: a nonprofit institute (Kenzugi Institute) and a commercial agribusiness (Kenzugi Group Limited), both driven by the same vision: to reverse the cycle of destruction between climate and food through regenerative agriculture focused on water, soil, biodiversity and carbon. By creating the first research-driven farms that restore degraded land, revive nature's ecosystems and empower women, while producing more and better food at scale, Kenzugi turns a climate-damaging food system into a climate solution. I bring together a rare fusion of determined vision, absolute passion, detailed-oriented execution, the ability to innovate at speed and the knowledge of Africa’s food systems. I have successfully led a $120M initiative, creating 40,000 jobs and rebuilding community infrastructure—proving I can deliver large-scale change. After a deep dive into regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, and market-driven solutions, I know what is possible and how to align land restoration, food production, climate mitigation and investor ROI to drive change. I have a deep mastery in building unique and effective multi-stakeholder partnerships in complex environments, creating impact at the largest possible scale. Kenzugi has an initial 200 hectares of land to restore for food production and 200,000 hectares of future landscapes that are committed to Kenzugi’s model for regenerative agriculture. Africa is the place to start because the continent hosts 60% of the world's arable land and has the highest potential for mosaic restoration, combined with the highest levels of demographic growth globally. Our strategy targets private ranch-type land that is heading for desertification. We rapidly revive these landscapes and ecosystems, whilst bringing commercial viability. Our solution combines an optimal land use mix of crops, livestock, agroforestry and rewilding to reimagine degrading land into climate-enhancing landscape systems. Hydrological re-design and agricultural waste transformation through biodigesters, compost and black soldier flies protect the soil and create a zero waste system. Data monitoring of nature capital generates accountable environmental impact to prove the effectiveness of our agricultural system. Kenzugi develops its rural workforce with 80% participation from women through a hands-on Swiss-inspired apprenticeship and learning program that trains young Kenyans as regenerative champions. Transparent fair contracts and third-party safeguarding ensure against exploitative practices. With increasing risk of droughts, failing harvests and worsening nutrition, our future is threatened. If we do nothing, sub-Saharan Africa could see crop yields drop by 30% by 2050. Kenzugi brings pioneering, original research from the leading agricultural institutions across Africa to uncover what it takes to establish a truly climate-positive food system, serving premium export markets and staple food. Our methodology offers solutions that food systems globally do not currently achieve—climate mitigation alongside biodiversity restoration and improved ecosystem services, at scale. This is more than carbon removal; it’s a food revolution. It’s about food, people, and the planet—creating jobs, empowering women, and securing Africa’s future. Kenzugi is leading a food and climate revolution.