Kenyan youth lead the way in climate innovation and action

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, young people are stepping up with fresh ideas and bold action.

They are not just participants but vital drivers in the fight against climate change, demonstrating remarkable leadership and creativity.

At the official launch of Climate Advocates Voices United Africa (CAVU-Africa), the youth across the country are being intentionally included in environmental conversations and decision-making through the flagship programme, Climate Innovation Challenge (CIC).

This aims to celebrate the power of youth in driving environmental change, recognising that their voices and actions are critical to shaping a sustainable future.

Speaking during the launch, Teddy Warria, Director of CAVU Africa, said the programme gives young people a voice and the power to act.

“We have to be custodians of Mother Earth,” said Warria. “This curriculum will reach 930 schools in the next three years, and we want to grow forests, not just plant trees for show.”

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The programme uses education, storytelling and innovation to equip youth aged 8 to 18 with tools to develop local solutions to climate issues. The programme is recognised by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and is already active in more than 70 schools across the country.

Warria added that the programme is aligned with Kenya’s national goal of planting 15 billion trees in 10 years and hopes to expand CIC to reach all 93,000 schools in Kenya over time.

Jordan Smith, Co-founder of CAVU, said the challenge is about creating local solutions with global impact.

“Africa has immense potential,” she said. “With over 60 per cent of the population under 25, the youth are not just the future, they are today’s leaders.”

The event also recognised outstanding student innovators. One of the CIC 2025 prize winners, Shalon Kerubo from M-PESA Foundation Academy, showcased her project on turning water hyacinth into paper.

“As young people, we have a duty to act,” said Kerubo. “The older generation has lived their lives and it’s now our turn to protect the future.”

Daniel Juma, Regional Representative of the Global Peace Foundation Africa, applauded the students’ efforts.

“If children can develop climate solutions, then adults have no excuse,” he said. “This programme gives students hope and real impact.”