In a major milestone for environmental education in Kenya, we successfully returned to Laikipia to expand our student-led research program—an initiative made possible through continued support from YLACES. This expansion marks a significant step forward in empowering young learners to take an active role in conservation and scientific research.

Building on the foundation set at Illpolei Secondary School, where 100 students have been conducting environmental studies since October 2024, the program has now scaled up to include 250 students across Laikipia. The expansion brought new research sites, enhanced monitoring equipment, and a deeper focus on conservation science, giving students a more comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.

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A Hands-On Approach to Science and Conservation

With the expansion, students had the opportunity to apply scientific methods in real-world scenarios, using professional research tools to collect and analyze environmental data. This practical learning experience strengthened their understanding of conservation and gave them a sense of ownership over their environment.

Water Quality Monitoring – Students tested 10 water points (up from 4), measuring pH levels, turbidity, and contaminants to assess water safety. This data will help local communities understand and improve their water sources.
Soil Health Analysis – Expanding their research beyond initial sites, students examined soil composition across different locations to study fertility, erosion, and the impact of agricultural practices.
Weather Pattern Documentation – With new monitoring equipment in place, students recorded rainfall, temperature changes, and wind patterns to understand climate variability in Laikipia.
Wildlife Observations – Through guided fieldwork, students learned to track animal presence and behavior, contributing to biodiversity monitoring efforts in partnership with Nareto Conservancy.

Each of these activities gave students an up-close look at conservation science in action, showing them how data-driven decision-making can protect natural resources and wildlife.

Student Voices: Learning by Doing

For many students, this hands-on approach was an eye-opening experience. Naserian, a 17-year-old student, shared her excitement:

💬 “I always heard about conservation, but now I see it for myself. Testing water, collecting soil samples, and checking weather changes—I feel like a real scientist!”

Similarly, Lenkai, another student, reflected on how the experience changed his perspective:

💬 “I used to think conservation was just about protecting animals, but now I understand that it’s about everything—our land, our water, and even the climate.”

These first hand experiences are shaping students into active citizen scientists, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for sustainable environmental practices in their communities.

Expanding Research, Expanding Impact

With this successful expansion, the program is now reaching a broader audience and providing more young researchers with the tools to make a difference. The data collected during these field studies isn’t just for learning—it’s valuable scientific information that will be shared with local stakeholders, conservation organizations, and researchers working to protect Laikipia’s ecosystems.

The growth of this initiative wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable support of YLACES, Youth Future Lab, and Nareto Conservancy, who continue to invest in the future of environmental education. Their partnership ensures that students gain real-world scientific experience while contributing to conservation efforts in meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Young Conservationists

As we celebrate the success of this phase, our focus remains on sustaining and improving the program. Moving forward, we aim to:
🔹 Strengthen data-sharing efforts between students and conservationists
🔹 Introduce more community engagement initiatives to spread environmental awareness
🔹 Explore opportunities for student-led projects and innovations in conservation science

By equipping young minds with the skills to protect their environment, we are fostering a new generation of conservation leaders—young people who are not just learning about nature but actively working to preserve it.

With Laikipia as a growing hub for youth-led environmental research, we are excited to see where the next phase of this journey takes us!

#CitizenScience #YouthInConservation #LaikipiaResearch #HandsOnLearning #ScienceInAction