New innovation and sustainability hub opens in North Horr through Israeli Kenyan collaboration

A powerful new vision is taking shape in the heart of northern Kenya. The Desert Stars Innovation and Sustainability Hub, initiated by Israel4Africa in partnership with Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the Honorable Eminent Ambassador Wario Guyo Adhe, MP for North Horr, was officially launched. The new hub paved a fresh path toward resilience, opportunity and hope in one of Africa’s most climate stressed regions.

The initiative was launched during a recent visit by a delegation from BGU. The team, led by Prof. Yaron Ziv, traveled to North Horr to help set up the first building blocks of the Hub. Their presence marked a significant step toward bringing tested Israeli desert expertise to the communities of Marsabit County, where decades of extreme climate events have challenged traditional ways of life.

The Desert Stars Hub is built on a simple but transformative idea. When communities are given the right skills, tools and knowledge, they can turn even the toughest environments into places of opportunity. The Hub aims to do exactly that by empowering youth, strengthening local resilience and cultivating innovation that comes from within the community itself.

At the core of the Hub is its Tech Arm, designed to open doors for young people who have long been excluded from the digital economy. This arm will train students in digital literacy, coding, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things technologies (IoT). These skills will help them access remote work, build tech-driven businesses and design solutions that address the region’s daily challenges. The Hub will also work to improve connectivity in North Horr, creating a bridge to new economic possibilities.

Growing Knowledge for a Resilient Future

The second pillar is the Sustainable Agriculture Arm, developed in close collaboration with BGU. As one of the world’s leading institutions in desert agriculture and climate adaptation, BGU brings decades of experience in turning drylands into thriving and productive landscapes.

This arm will train students and community members in regenerative agriculture, water and soil conservation, climate smart pastoralism and precision farming. These approaches are essential for a region that lost more than 80 percent of its livestock during the historic drought of 2021 to 2023. By learning sustainable practices, communities can rebuild their livelihoods, prepare for future climate shocks and restore long term stability.

Hopeful Response to Hard Realities

North Horr has endured years of hardship. Repeated droughts, flash floods and environmental pressures have pushed families into uncertainty. Many young people have faced limited options for income or education. The Desert Stars Hub offers a new alternative. It provides a space where skills, creativity and resilience can grow together. It inspires young people to see themselves not only as survivors of climate challenges but as innovators with the ability to shape a different future.

By combining technology, sustainability and community driven development, the Hub aims to set a regional example for how arid communities can rise above their circumstances and chart a new direction.

Leadership that Believes in the Future

The vision behind Desert Stars reflects the lifelong commitment of Hon. Wario Guyo Adhe, MP for North Horr. Known for his work in community development, peacebuilding and economic transformation, he has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. His partnership with BGU and Israel4Africa ensures that the Hub is rooted in local needs while supported by global expertise.

For Israel4Africa, Desert Stars represents the kind of collaborative, forward looking project that aligns with our mission to support African communities through innovation, knowledge sharing and practical solutions. We believe the Hub will become a beacon for other regions seeking sustainable ways to overcome climate pressures and unlock new potential.