Northern Kenya Human security Network

09/07/2026

For decades, Kenya has invested heavily in crops like coffee and tea because they create jobs, generate income, and support rural livelihoods.

Perhaps it is time we started thinking about African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) in the same way.

Unlike harvesting sandalwood from the wild, farming it creates a sustainable supply while protecting the remaining natural populations. Every farmed tree reduces pressure on the few trees left in Kenya's forests.

Sandalwood is more than just a timber tree. It produces seeds that are in high demand for conservation and restoration because they are recalcitrant, meaning they cannot be stored for long and must be planted while fresh. This creates a continuous market for quality seed.

The tree also has value for essential oils, restoration projects, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. Instead of cutting down wild trees, farmers could establish managed plantations and benefit from seed production while allowing the trees to continue growing.

Kenya has the climate, the expertise, and increasing demand for indigenous tree products. What we now need is to treat Sandalwood as a crop worth investing in, just as previous generations invested in coffee and tea.

If we get it right, Sandalwood farming could become a model where conservation and business grow together, creating income for farmers while ensuring this remarkable indigenous tree survives for generations to come.

25/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LeP7T9xZy/

20/06/2026

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY ON THE PROTECTION OF IMENTI FOREST RESERVE

The Northern Kenya Human Security Network Community Based Organization (NKHSN-CBO) strongly condemns the ongoing destruction of the Upper Imenti Forest Reserve for the construction of an airstrip, state lodge, and golf course.

We stand in full solidarity with conservation organizations, community groups, environmental defenders, and all citizens calling for the immediate protection of Imenti Forest and other protected public forests across Kenya.

Forests are critical national assets that provide water, support biodiversity, regulate climate, and sustain the livelihoods of present and future generations. The destruction of protected forest land without adequate public participation, environmental impact assessment, and the necessary legal approvals undermines the Constitution of Kenya, environmental laws, and the principles of sustainable development.

The Upper Imenti Forest Reserve forms part of the larger Mount Kenya ecosystem and serves as an important water catchment area. Any activities that threaten its integrity put communities, wildlife, and environmental security at risk.

We therefore call upon the relevant government agencies, environmental authorities, and policymakers to:

Immediately halt all activities leading to the destruction of Imenti Forest Reserve.

Conduct independent and transparent investigations into the approval and implementation of the project.

Ensure full compliance with the Constitution of Kenya, environmental laws, and forest conservation regulations.

Protect and restore all affected forest areas.

Uphold meaningful public participation in all projects affecting public natural resources.

The Northern Kenya Human Security Network Community Based Organization remains committed to environmental protection, climate resilience, natural resource conservation, and the defense of community rights.

Our forests are our heritage, our water towers, and our future. Their protection is a collective responsibility.

Signed:Northern Kenya Human Security Network Community Based Organization (NKHSN-CBO)

01/06/2026

26/05/2026

Scorpion venom is considered one of the most expensive liquids in the world. Its price can range between $7 million and $12 million per gallon, depending on the species and purity.

Why Is Scorpion Venom Expensive?•
A scorpion produces only a very small amount of venom at one time.•
Collecting venom is dangerous and requires special skills.• Thousands of scorpions are needed to produce even a small quantity.• The extraction process is slow and costly.

Uses of Scorpion Venom•

Medical research•
Cancer treatment studies• Drug development• Scientific experiments

One of the most famous species is the Deathstalker scorpion, found in the Middle East and North Africa.
Its venom is highly valued for scientific and medical research.

Normally, scorpion venom is sold in milligrams or grams, not gallons, because of its rarity and high value.

13/12/2025

Adopting Hydroponics and Vertical Farming in Samburu and Northern Kenya

Hydroponics and vertical farming are gaining momentum globally as sustainable solutions to boost crop productivity in small areas while conserving scarce water resources. These modern agricultural systems reduce water consumption by up to 90–95 percent compared to traditional soil-based farming, making them especially suitable for arid and semi-arid regions.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions dissolved in water. Plant roots absorb nutrients directly from the water or from inert growing media such as coco coir or perlite. This approach enables faster plant growth, higher yields, and efficient water use, making it ideal for controlled environments and limited land spaces.

Vertical farming involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often indoors or in greenhouses, with precise control of temperature, humidity, light, and nutrients. This maximizes land use and allows year-round production regardless of harsh external climatic conditions.

Experiences from arid regions such as Saudi Arabia demonstrate that hydroponics and vertical farming can successfully address challenges related to food security, water scarcity, and soil degradation. In environments where groundwater is limited, salinized, or unreliable, these systems provide a sustainable alternative by recycling water and eliminating dependence on soil quality.

Relevance to Samburu and Northern Kenya

Samburu County and much of Northern Kenya face challenges similar to those in desert regions:

Low and erratic rainfall

High temperatures

Frequent droughts

Poor and degraded soils

High dependence on food imports from other regions

These conditions make conventional agriculture risky and unsustainable. Hydroponics and vertical farming offer a practical and achievable solution for the region by:

Producing vegetables, herbs, and fodder crops using minimal water

Allowing farming in small spaces, including urban centers and institutions

Supporting year-round food production regardless of drought

Reducing dependence on external food supplies

Creating employment and income opportunities for youth and women

With the availability of solar energy, community water projects, and increasing interest in climate-smart agriculture, these systems can be successfully adopted in Samburu and Northern Kenya for both commercial and household use.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

High yields and quality, pesticide-free crops

Reduced water and land use

Faster crop maturity and improved nutrient absorption

Long-term financial returns despite higher initial setup costs

Although hydroponic and vertical farming require technical knowledge and initial investment, training, partnerships, and government or NGO support can make these systems accessible and scalable.

Conclusion

Hydroponics and vertical farming are not only suitable but highly relevant for Samburu and Northern Kenya. Given the region’s climatic conditions, water scarcity, and food insecurity challenges, adopting these modern farming technologies would promote resilience, sustainability, and local food self-sufficiency. With proper support, these systems can transform agriculture in Northern Kenya—just as they are transforming food production in the world’s driest regions.