Eldoret, Kenya- The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry held the NOREB (Northern Rift Economic Bloc) Youth Climate Finance and Proposal Development Workshop from the 2nd to 6th of June 2025. The event was curtain-raised by Miss Ressa Kombi from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
In her keynote address, Ms. Kombi emphasized the importance of youth engagement in climate action, noting that young people made up 80% of Kenya’s population. She highlighted that the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) created opportunities for youth to learn about climate issues through workshops, training, and educational initiatives. She also stressed that the time had come to empower the youth as critical stakeholders in the climate agenda.
Notably, the landmark brought together a dynamic cohort of young leaders from Baringo, West Pokot, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Samburu, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet, with the aim of, equipping them with skills needed to develop bankable climate proposals and access climate finance. With climate change posing an existential threat, the event was timely as it underscored the critical role of young people in shaping a sustainable future.
Speaking during the convening James Thonjo, the Youth Coordinator from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry said,” We are devoted to ensuring that the youth are engaged in climate finance discussions.”
Thonjo insisted that, “It is only through learning about financing that the youth can be properly prepared to make significant change.”
The program kicked off with a deep dive into Kenya’s legal, policy, and institutional frameworks for climate action. During his presentation, Thonjo highlighted opportunities for youth within the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2023-2027) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 2031-2035), urging participants to seize these spaces to amplify their impact.
Nina Silantoi, Social Justice and Community Engagement Lead at the African Center for Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) said,“Our future as the youth is secured because we are meaningfully engaged in climate action.”She also said, ” We are the now leaders and our actions will determine our tomorrow.”
Silantoi underscored the pivotal role of young people in driving climate action, arguing that youth are essential in bridging the persistent gap between policy and implementation. Whether these efforts translate into long-term, bankable climate solutions, however, remains to be foretold with time.