SEI supports Isiolo County, Kenya, in moving toward resilience through the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach

Isiolo county energy master plan inception

The week began with the inception workshop for the Isiolo County Energy Master Plan, led by the Isiolo County government. SEI Africa joined stakeholders to kick off the collaborative process of formulating Isiolo County’s first energy master plan. The workshop brought together the steering committee and technical working groups to outline procedures, stakeholder responsibilities and the roadmap ahead.

The document will outline the process of improved energy access, promotion of renewable energy, enhanced energy efficiency and ensuring reliable energy sources.

SEI Research Fellow Moses Kirimi represented the organization and presented energy modelling insights using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) tool. His presentation shared results developed under the project, highlighting the interdependence of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. He also presented energy demand projections for Isiolo County across various scenarios. Through its technical support with the LEAP tool, SEI is contributing expertise in energy resource planning. This collaboration demonstrates how SEI’s data-driven tools can help county governments craft more resilient, locally tailored energy strategies.

Strengthening local partnerships

The second day spotlighted collaboration, as SEI Africa joined partners for the launch of the Merti Integrated Programme’s (MID-P) 2025–29 strategic plan and official rebranding. Represented by Kirimi, SEI reaffirmed its ongoing partnership with MID-P, a grassroots organization working across the Merti region in Kenya and Isiolo County.

SEI has partnered with MID-P under this project, drawing on the organization’s deep-rooted connections within Isiolo as one of the focus counties. The event that launched the strategy also reinforces SEI’s commitment to collaborations that value local voices, experiences and community-based knowledge.

Planting the seeds of ecosystem-based adaptation

On the third day, action met the soil at Kambi ya Juu Primary School and School for the Blind in Isiolo County. In a collaborative tree planting initiative, 1000 local ecosystem-specific trees, including medicinal and fruit trees, were planted with the help of students, teachers, key project partners and government institutions.

Agronomists from Kenya Forest Service provided technical guidance, selecting tree species based on water availability, safety, school commitment, and ecological suitability. An additional 2000 trees will soon be planted across Laikipia and Samburu counties, as part of the project activities. This activity contributes to Kenya’s National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, and demonstrates how the WEF nexus approach can drive nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation.

This three day engagement in Isiolo County shows how integrated, cross-sectoral collaboration can translate vision into action. Through the support of county-level planning, reinforcing grassroots partnerships, and advancing nature-based solutions, SEI is helping build the foundations for long-term resilience in a region facing complex climate and development challenges. The interactions reflect a broader commitment to inclusive, data-informed approaches that empower local actors, align with national goals.