GLS Foundation Visit to RODI Kenya

Date: 06/02/2026

On 6th February 2026, Mr. Dirk Kannacher, a member of the GLS Foundation, visited RODI Kenya to learn more about the organisation’s work and its impact on communities. He was warmly received at the RODI Centre by the Director, Ms. Esther Bett, and the Deputy Director, Mr. David Nyaga.

During his visit to the RODI Centre, Mr. Kannacher was taken on a guided tour of the centre’s environment and tree nurseries. He also received progress demonstrations from various projects, including food security initiatives, prison training programmes, and the coffee project. Beneficiaries from different projects shared testimonials, representing the wider groups benefiting from RODI Kenya’s interventions.

Visit to Maranjau Prison

The team later proceeded to Maranjau Prison, where they were received by the prison management team led by Dr. Hamphery Young, the Prison Officer in Charge. The visit showcased the work being carried out by RODI Kenya staff in the prison, led by Ms. Monica Wanjiru, the Officer in Charge of Agro-ecology and Gender. She highlighted how prisoners are trained in agro-ecological farming, sanitation, and social training.

Dr. Hamphery Young acknowledged the significant impact RODI Kenya has had on the institution, noting positive changes in both the prison environment and the mindset of prisoners. He proudly mentioned that the prison won the Best Farm Prison Award in 2025, demonstrating the transformation achieved through these interventions.

Nyeri Hill and Farmer Visits

The visit continued early the following day at Nyeri Hill, where the team observed the impact of tree planting after three years. The forest has significantly improved, with reduced bush cover allowing trees to thrive. Mr. Kannacher also visited a tree he planted in 2025.

He later visited farmers engaged in rabbit, poultry, and dairy farming, as well as tree nurseries. The team also visited a youth-led tree nursery and a solar dryer used for value addition of guava leaves, stinging nettle, and soursop.

Mr. Samson from the NOHEFE group shared how the group began with reforestation through RODI Kenya and later diversified into value addition after receiving training. The group now dries and grinds stinging nettle using solar dryers, selling it at KSh 900 per kilogram, while guava leaves and soursop sell at KSh 1,000 per kilogram. They have also leased land to grow herbs and increase production.

An elderly beneficiary, Ms. Nancy Wambui, testified that organic stinging nettle products from the youth group have helped ease her arthritis.

Coffee, Livestock, and Energy-Saving Innovations

At Kafedera in Ihururu, the team met Mwengi farmers involved in coffee and vegetable farming. One farmer shared how receiving a dairy goat improved her health through milk consumption and provided manure for farming. Other farmers highlighted improved poultry farming skills, biogas use, and reduced cooking time, leading to increased productivity.

Ms. Ann shared how energy-saving cookstoves reduced back pain caused by firewood collection and helped her save money through kitchen gardening. Organic fertilizer training also improved her coffee yields.

Another farmer demonstrated integrated farming practices, including vermicomposting, dairy goats, poultry, water tanks, and seedling production. Her coffee production increased from 300 kg in 2024 to 900 kg in 2025, and she now supplies milk to Mathari Hospital, with plans to expand to 60 dairy goats.

Community Engagement at Zuri Farm

At Zuri Farm, RODI Kenya met farmer groups and students. Mr. Joseph Kihono, Chairman of Kihuyo Factory, praised RODI Kenya’s collaboration with communities, citing improved cookstoves, fish ponds, water tanks, and coffee nurseries. Coffee production increased from 44,000 kg in 2024 to 130,000 kg in 2025.

Farmers shared how energy-saving jikos and biogas reduced firewood use, improved health, and saved time. Solar drying and table banking have enabled farmers especially women to save income and add value to surplus produce.

Volunteer Farmer Trainers (VFTs) reported receiving intensive training from RODI Kenya, including gender equality and organic farming practices. Permaculture farmers shared how diversified kitchen gardens improved food security and reduced household expenses. Other interventions highlighted included biogas adoption, participatory guarantee systems (PGS) for organic farming, carrot production initiatives, improved coffee varieties such as Ruiru 11, fish farming, beekeeping, and irrigation using water tanks.

Mr. Dirk Kannacher’s visit highlighted the tangible impact of RODI Kenya’s work in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community empowerment. Testimonies from beneficiaries and institutions demonstrated how RODI Kenya’s integrated approach is transforming livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and giving hope to communities.