Kenya's youth climate activists appeal for support to further climate action agenda

Youthful climate activists participating in this year's Mr and Miss Climate Kenya have called for increased empowerment to influence decision-making and further climate action agenda at the county and national levels.

The activists from Isiolo, Samburu, Kericho, Nairobi, Kitui, Nyandarua, Meru, Kajiado and Marsabit counties cited inadequate resources among the impediments to their efforts to increase awareness of the impacts of climate change and advocate for behaviour change.

During World Environmental Day celebrations at Kalama Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu East, they said there was a need to support youth-led initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity and participation of youth in climate action.

Led by Michael Kyalo Mutua, the advocates said if supported, they could co-create solutions towards achieving resilient communities and preventing further devastation to the environment.

"It is through sustained awareness that we will be able to have more youths at the forefront in combating climate change. We are concerned because climate change has affected us as well and have a responsibility to protect future generations," he said.

Another participant Jane Muthoni Njoki said the potential of youth in leveraging digital tools to run online environmental campaigns and share their innovative strategies had not been maximised.

"We are using art and fashion to advocate for change, sensitise our respective communities on environmental conservation through reduced pressure on available natural resources and disposal of waste," she said.

Naira Juma from Kwale County said youth must be proactive because they would bear consequences for their actions or inactions against climate change.

Establishing partnerships

The celebrations were a culmination of a one-week boot camp aimed at equipping the activists with skills in environmental conservation, establishing partnerships and leveraging social media to influence change in their communities.

Samburu Tourism Executive Raphael Lenayara (centre) plants a tree during World Environment Day celebrations at Kalama Community Conservancy in Samburu East on June 5, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

The camp was organised by NIBC Creation Media in partnership with Kalama Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust and Rise Network.

Apart from undertaking tree planting within the Kalama area, the models also sensitised local communities on the need to shun tree felling for charcoal burning and disposal of non-biodegradable waste in the environment.

"We also had sessions with pupils from local primary schools, educating them on the need to plant trees and ensure they reach maturity. We also demonstrated to them how to use diapers to ensure the seedlings use little water for a long period of time," Kyalo said.

The participants also appreciated the challenges faced by arid and semi-arid counties in the wake of climate change considering Samburu is among the counties prone to natural catastrophes.

Samburu County Tourism, Trade and Cooperatives Executive Raphael Lenayara said the county government was keen on supporting environmental mitigation efforts, saying the global crisis required concerted efforts from all.

Stella Napanu, Samburu NRT Centre Director, said the Environment Day's Theme "Land Restoration, degradation and Climate Resilience" was in line with the organisation's quest to conserve the environment through among others, the Rangelands Management project.

"Our coming together as various partners is to build partnerships for the sustainability of the initiatives and also appreciating the efforts by local communities to combat climate change," she said.

NIBC Programme officer Paul Musemi said the beauty pageant seeks to enhance youth participation in climate agenda and justice while also championing sustainable and innovative projects that tackle climate change.

"We are keen on working with local communities to come up with homegrown viable solutions that build their resilience to climate change," Musemi said.