FROM KMTC KENYA TO THE GLOBAL STAGE: SHARON CHEPKOECH EXCELS AT COP 16 IN RIYADH
Sharon Chepkoech, a passionate and determined student from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), has taken a giant leap onto the global stage by earning a coveted spot at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Currently enrolled in KMTC’s 2.1 upgrading program in nursing. Sharon is representing Kenya with a groundbreaking proposal that addresses food security challenges in the country’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) through kitchen gardening.
This prestigious two-week event has brought together global leaders, climate experts, and changemakers to discuss innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Amid this influential gathering, Sharon is proudly showcasing her vision for sustainable food production, a solution rooted in her community and designed to impact the world.
Sharon’s journey to COP 16 began with her compelling proposal that reimagined kitchen gardening as a lifeline for food security in ASAL regions. Her idea is simple yet transformative: empowering households to grow their food using minimal resources, thereby ensuring food availability even in harsh climatic conditions.
Her proposal gained traction after a series of impactful field demonstrations in Marigat, Baringo County. Here, Sharon worked directly with local communities, demonstrating the practicality and potential of kitchen gardening. Her hands-on approach showed how households could adopt small-scale farming techniques to grow nutritious crops, reduce dependency on food aid, and build resilience against climate change.
Sharon’s hard work, innovation, and dedication caught the attention of COP 16 organizers, who selected her to participate in this landmark global summit. Her presentation in Riyadh the role of young leaders in addressing critical global issues.
Speaking from the summit, Sharon remarked, “Attending COP 16 is not just a personal milestone but an opportunity to amplify local solutions on a global platform. My goal is to inspire others to think creatively and act locally to solve challenges affecting communities worldwide.”
Sharon’s achievement reflects KMTC’s mission to develop transformative leaders who bring meaningful change to their communities and beyond. By fostering innovation, resilience, and practical solutions, the institution continues to produce graduates equipped to tackle challenges in health, environment, and sustainable development.
Dr. Kelly Oluoch, KMTC CEO, lauded Sharon’s success, noting, “Sharon’s journey from KMTC to COP 16 exemplifies the power of education and community-driven innovation. We are incredibly proud of her and committed to nurturing more changemakers who will shape the future.”
Sharon’s story serves as an inspiration for her peers and young leaders across Kenya and the world. It is a reminder that local solutions can have global impact and that the determination to make a difference can open doors to unimaginable opportunities.
As COP 16 progresses, Sharon continues to champion kitchen gardening as a sustainable solution to food insecurity in ASALs. Her vision aligns with global climate action goals, proving that even the smallest initiatives can create ripples of change.
KMTC celebrates Sharon Chepkoech as a beacon of hope and innovation, paving the way for a more sustainable and secure future.
