Waridi Shines in Egypt as AU Spotlights Youth and Food Security

Jenniffer Wairimu Waruingi—popularly known as Waridi

By Bruno Aero

In a powerful address that resonated across borders, Jenniffer Wairimu Waruingi—popularly known as Waridi—has cemented her place as one of Kenya’s most influential youth voices in agriculture and Pan-African development. 

Speaking at a high-level African Union (AU) forum in Cairo, Waridi highlighted the urgency of implementing the CAADP Kampala Strategy, the AU’s blueprint for achieving food security across the continent by 2035.

Representing Kenya’s youth, Waridi shared insights from her work as President of the Kenya Youth Organization (KYO) and Founder of the Waridi Foundation, both of which have been pivotal in empowering youth in agribusiness and innovation. Her message was clear and uncompromising:

 “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.”

The forum, attended by all AU member states and officiated by Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture, spotlighted Waridi’s growing influence as she championed inclusive agri-food systems and sustainable development. 

Through her Africa Development Tour, Waridi continues to unite young change-makers across the continent, advancing a bold agenda that links food security, eco-tourism, innovation, and African pride.

Waridi also heads Kwetu Inn Africa, a travel and tourism brand reimagining Africa through cultural immersion, eco-experiences, and entrepreneurship—proving that food security and tourism are not mutually exclusive, but mutually reinforcing.

In her speech, she applauded Egypt’s agricultural transformation, achieved despite its arid landscape, and called on Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, under Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, to embrace innovative and youth-led strategies:

 “We must go beyond boardroom policies and activate change on the ground. Youth are not just the future—they are the farmers, innovators, and solution architects of today.”

Rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of renowned Lamu farmer Michael Waruingi, Waridi brings a unique blend of grassroots insight and continental vision. Her mission is uncompromising: a food-secure, youth-driven, and self-reliant Africa—built from the ground up.