Lormeuti / Ilchakita – February 2026

The Ilchakita & Lormeuti Extension bund site is located in Iltilal and Enkii villages in Kajiado County, Kenya. The area is home to Maasai pastoralist communities who depend on healthy land and livestock for their livelihoods.

Over the years, the land has come under increasing pressure from drought, overgrazing and charcoal production. Pasture declined, soils eroded and rainwater was less able to stay in the ground. This made it more difficult for both people and livestock to rely on the land.

Together with local communities, Justdiggit supported the construction of soil bunds to help the land recover. Bunds slow down rainwater, allowing it to sink into the soil and support the return of grass and vegetation over time. Construction started in August 2025 and was completed in November 2025, involving nearly 250 community members from Ilchakita and Lormeuti.

The constructed bunds have been seeded with indigenous grasses and are protected with thorny branches. The grass seeds originate from the women-led grass seed bank projects, providing additional income for participating households.

The first rains in November 2025 led to initial germination, although rainfall unfortunately remained below average. Yet, these early signs mark an important first step towards restoring hundreds hectares of degraded land in the area. Wildlife such as zebras, gazelles and giraffes have already been seen returning to the area.

A photo of Ilchakita bund site this January 15, 2026

Zebras spotted next to the side in January, 2026