LUP is possibly unique in combining an innovative community incubator and a compelling region-wide knowledge distribution system. The LUC/LUL events provide an essential mechanism for the rapid scaling-up and dissemination of ideas incubated at the Academy and EnvironmentalEducation Centre, and the Centre will in turn learn from and add value to ideas developed in the regional network. The LUP will also serve as a cost-effective scalable model for other regions in Africa where access to water and strain on environmental resources is a major factor in community tension.
Objectives:
The primary objective of the Laikipia Unity programme is to empower the people of Laikipia to address the pressing livelihood and environmental problems they face in an integrated and holistic manner. The specific objectives of the programme include:
- Improve environmental management and the integrity of ecosystems throughout the County through the introduction and adoption of appropriate and sustainable water management (principally rain water harvesting), solar energy generation and conservation agriculture technologies.
- Improve the health of communities, particularly women and children, through the introduction of clean and reliable water, energy and agricultural technologies.
- Strengthen community cohesion and unity - through the powerful and culturally appropriate unifying power of sport - as a means to address the escalating violence between communities, the major victims of whom are often women and children.
- Provide enhanced education and sporting opportunities for the youth, male and female, of Laikipia to enable them to expand their horizons and opportunities available to them to improve their lives.
- Promote alternative income generating opportunities, including conservation agriculture and micro-enterprises focused on alternative energy production.
The Laikipia Unity League 2013
The Laikipia Unity League 2013 (LUL) has 110 teams participating including 7 girls teams playing within eight zones.
The league is unique in that 50% of points are scored through football achievements and 50% through conservation or community projects that each team has to undertake on an ongoing basis. All teams are required to actively participate in environmental activities during the LUL itself, and selection for the regional team is judged on football skills, environmental interest and commitment and leadership skills. All league events will involve environmental awareness raising activities and demonstrations of environmentally appropriate and sustainable energy technologies, conservation agriculture and sustainable water harvesting and filtration systems.
The league aims to address livelihood and environmental issues affecting the Laikipia community through the foundation’s 4Cs philosophy of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce which focus on biodiversity conservation, community development, cultural stewardship and social entrepreneurship.
Locations
For more information contact:
Andrew Oloo
Laikipia Unity Programme Manager
E-mail: andrew.oloo@zeitzfoundation.org
Phone: +254720230655
Martin Muiruri
Laikipia Unity Programme Assistant Manager
E-mail: martin.muiruiri@zeitzfoundation.org
Phone: +254725745779
created through Laikipia Unity League (LUL) and the biennial Laikipia Unity Cup (LUC). 
