Strengthening youth participation in climate action across Kenya

In May and June 2025, we held a specialised training for local youth leaders and youth-led civil society organisations on Meaningful Youth Participation in Climate Action, addressing the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation. The training took place across three counties in Kenya: Isiolo, Kwale, and Nairobi. 

Over the course of three days, the program - part of the Sikiliza Sauti Yetu: Dunia Inaita! project - brought together 60 participants, including youth, women, and government representatives. The sessions featured interactive activities, non-formal learning approaches, and real-life scenario workshops facilitated by trainers from consortium partners, including WeWorld and Barnfonden. 

The training emphasised a fundamental shift in perspective: youth are not just future stakeholders but present-day key actors in climate adaptation. Recognising young people as central to climate adaptation is key to unlocking fair adaptation financing and building inclusive, community-driven resilience strategies that serve both present and future generations. 

Participants dove into Kenya’s legal and policy landscape supporting youth engagement in climate action. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, they gained the confidence and knowledge to navigate these systems - and more importantly, to step into spaces where decisions are made.  

A presentation by Madam Malasen Hamida from the Mazingira Initiative CBO, who shared insights on Indigenous systems and traditional knowledge essential for local resilience and environmental sustainability. This session highlighted the importance of integrating community-based wisdom with contemporary climate science, recognising that effective climate adaptation often builds upon generations of local environmental knowledge.  

Participants also engaged in comprehensive group mapping exercises to identify "who holds what power" in climate decision-making processes. This activity showcased entry points for youth engagement and revealed opportunities for strategic partnership building.  

Through guided group discussions using sticky notes, participants explored the question "Why is youth voice important?"  
This collaborative approach generated grassroots insights into the value and urgency of youth participation in climate governance.  

The three-day program concluded with a clear call to action: investing in youth today is essential for securing tomorrow's climate resilience. This investment goes beyond financial resources to include capacity building, institutional support, and the creation of meaningful participation opportunities in climate governance structures. This training was part of ongoing efforts under the project Sikiliza Sauti Yetu: Dunia Inaita! project to strengthen youth participation in climate action across Nairobi, Kwale, and Isiolo Counties, supporting Kenya's broader climate resilience and adaptation goals.