A wave of youth-led climate ambition swept through the Northern Rift this June as the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry hosted the NOREB (Northern Rift Economic Bloc) Youth Climate Finance and Proposal Development Workshop from 2nd to 6th June 2025. The highly anticipated event was officially opened by Miss Ressa Kombi from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
During her keynote address, Kombi underscored the urgency of youth and women participation in the climate agenda. She emphasized that young people make up 80% of Kenya’s population and must be included in climate action. She also spotlighted the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) as a gateway for youth engagement through targeted training, workshops, and education.
The landmark workshop brought together young climate leaders from eight counties, Baringo, West Pokot, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Samburu, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet, aimed at equipping them with the technical skills to develop bankable climate proposals and navigate the climate finance landscape. As the climate crisis escalates, the event struck a timely chord by positioning youth not as future leaders, but as present- day agents of transformative change.
Speaking during the convening James Thonjo, the Youth Coordinator from Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry said, “We are devoted to ensuring that the youth are engaged in climate finance discussions. It is only through understanding financing that they can be prepared to make significant change.”
Accordingly, the youth consented to the same view, affirming their readiness to lead in shaping Kenya’s climate future. Throughout the NOREB Youth Climate Finance and Proposal Development Workshop, participants echoed the call for meaningful youth engagement in climate decision-making and financing processes. They expressed a shared understanding that their generation holds both the greatest stake and the greatest potential to drive climate solutions.
