Kenyan SDGs Champion Secures Global Leadership Role at AU Forum in Egypt

Jenniffer Wairimu Waruingi, popularly known as Waridi, is emerging as a continental force in youth leadership and sustainable agriculture. The President of the Kenya Youth Organization (KYO) and Founder of Waridi Foundation took center stage at a high-level African Union (AU) forum held in Cairo, where she addressed delegates on youth involvement in Africa’s food systems.

Speaking on the implementation of the CAADP Kampala Strategy Africa’s roadmap to food security by 2035,Waridi passionately emphasized the need for meaningful youth and women inclusion in the agricultural sector. Her keynote, delivered before representatives of all AU member states and officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture, called for practical involvement over tokenism.

“Africa cannot achieve food sovereignty if youth and women remain sidelined. We are vital actors not just participants and must be fully integrated into decision-making and implementation processes.”She said.

Jenniffer Wairimu, Founder of Waridi Foundation Speaking during a high-level African Union (AU) forum held in Cairo, where she addressed delegates on youth involvement in Africa’s food systems.

Waridi’s advocacy stretches across the continent through her initiative, the Africa Development Tour, which unites young leaders to exchange ideas, promote sustainable tourism, and champion African-led solutions. She also leads Kwetu Inn Africa, a travel and tourism enterprise that ties economic empowerment with cultural identity and ecological preservation.

She lauded Egypt’s advancements in agriculture, especially in irrigation and research, despite its arid landscape. Drawing parallels to Kenya, she urged the Ministry of Agriculture, under CS Mutahi Kagwe, to replicate such innovations while actively involving structured youth organizations like KYO.

“Youth are not just the future they are the farmers, innovators, and solution architects of today,” she said.

Waridi, daughter of respected Lamu farmer Michael Waruingi, brings a grounded yet visionary approach to African development one that connects grassroots realities with continental transformation. Her goal is unwavering: to shape a food-secure, youth-led, and self-reliant Africa.