Reclaiming Identity: Why Moving Back to the Land Matters in 2026

“Growing up, we were taught that the city was everything. But looking back, many of us realise it also brought stress, disconnection, and loss of self”

Those who grew up in the village, all we knew was the simplicity of life; the peaceful, serene environment that surrounded us with warmth and a sign of identity. As we grew up, the land of ‘opportunities’ kept pulling us into the chaotic life of the city.

Lynn Ngugi, a Kenyan journalist and media personality, reflects on how, in 2024 and 2025, many people experienced an awakening.

“Those years opened my eyes to many things and left me with a lot of questions. I realised that as Africans, and even as individuals, it’s time for us to reclaim our identity. Because if we don’t know who we are, where we’re going, or why we’re fighting for change, then we’re going nowhere”

Lynn pointed out that life feels overwhelming for a lot of people, mostly because of the tough economic times. She mentions that while cities are full of opportunity, the non-stop chaos can make one lose sight of who they are. Between the city noise and the struggle to know what to focus on, Lynn realises that if we want to make a real impact, we first have to build a strong foundation, something that keeps us grounded in our own identity.

For Lynn, that foundation starts with the soil. Having been brought up in the village, she developed a love for farming. They lacked many things, but food was always available. Our connection to the land is everything.

“The soil gives us food. It gives us calmness. It reconnects us with nature. At this stage of my life, I truly understand why people say nature heals. We want to be intentional about how we live as a family. We want control over our lives, what we eat, how we live and how we rest”

The beginnings are not always glamorous and fun. It can be a chaotic journey building from scratch, but for Lynn,  2026 is the year to reclaim her identity through the soil that has so much to offer.

She’s a firm believer that anyone with access to a rural home or an idle plot should put it to use, though she reminds us that there is no rush since the journey requires time, patience, and resources. Ultimately, she believes what truly matters is simply having a place that provides a sense of peace

Reflecting on her journey, she encourages her followers to join her in the journey of reclaiming their identity with whatever they have. She’s looking to build a community of like-minded people who value self-sufficiency, whether they are working on sprawling acres or a small 50×100 plot.

She expresses a genuine desire to hear from anyone feeding their family from their land, as she firmly believes in the power found in small beginnings.

There is dignity in simplicity. There is healing in returning to what once sustained us. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey. A journey rooted in land, intention, and remembrance of who we are.

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