Meet the Young Innovators Shaping Climate Resilience in Northern Kenya – A Spotlight from Kenya News Agency

Youth in North-Eastern Kenya are stepping up to tackle climate change. Recently, the Inclusion Climate Innovation Lab launched in Wajir County, creating a space for innovation, gender inclusivity, and local solutions.

The lab brought together ten passionate climate leaders from Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, and Isiolo counties. These young change-makers were selected based on merit and will receive essential training and mentorship. They’ll learn storytelling, donor engagement, and how to influence policies that can elevate local innovations on a larger scale.

This initiative is currently being piloted and plans to expand to other marginalized areas, including around the Kakuma Refugee Camp and in the Coastal and Lower Eastern Regions. The focus is on local solutions that respond to the unique challenges these communities face.

At the launch, Deka Olow, the Wajir County Chief Officer for Gender and Social Services, underscored the importance of youth and gender representation. She highlighted the rise of young women in leadership roles, stating, “While I represent all residents, witnessing this shift toward greater inclusivity is inspiring. Our sisters are rising, and they must continue to lead.” Her emphasis on women’s empowerment reflects a growing trend in climate action, where diverse voices are integral to addressing the issue.

Fatuma Hussein Hassan, representing the Collaborative Approach Consultancy, echoed this sentiment. She mentioned the program’s aim to have 70% of participants as women and girls. According to her, their experiences and insights are critical in developing effective responses to climate challenges. With women facing greater impacts from climate change, their involvement is crucial for achieving climate justice.

The Wajir County government has invested in youth empowerment through vocational training in areas like catering and beauty services. Olow encouraged participants to apply their newfound knowledge to create meaningful change in their communities.

Harun Mwadena, Managing Director of Collaborative Approach Consultancy, pointed out that the initiative stems from research indicating gaps in support for young innovators in underserved areas. Many have great ideas but struggle to find the funding and networks needed to bring them to life. The lab aims to fill these gaps and provide a platform for young leaders to flourish.

Mwadena also praised the Wajir County’s shift to solar energy, lauding the government’s commitment to sustainability. He stressed the need for youth involvement in designing solutions for clean energy access across all services, especially healthcare.

The Inclusion Climate Innovation Lab aims to amplify the voices of marginalized young leaders and is driven by a commitment to climate justice. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Irish Embassy in Kenya, this initiative seeks to empower youth from historically marginalized regions, equipping them with the skills and resources to lead climate resilience efforts.

There is a growing recognition that addressing climate change effectively requires diverse perspectives. Engaging young people and women in these discussions can lead to more comprehensive, durable solutions. This lab is just the beginning of a movement aimed at building a better world, one community at a time.

For those interested in more on youth-led climate initiatives, the UN Environment Programme offers several resources and insights into global efforts for sustainable development.

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