BUNGOMA, Kenya — Bungoma County is emerging as a new hub for youth-driven climate justice efforts in Kenya, following the launch of the Youth Empowerment for Climate Justice and Sustainability (YECJS) project by the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA).
The initiative aims to strengthen young people’s capacity to address climate change, land rights, and sustainable livelihoods—issues that analysts say will define Africa’s socio-economic and environmental future.
YILAA Executive Director Innocent Antoine Houedji said the project seeks to secure land rights for young people as a foundation for climate resilience.
“We are promoting and defending land rights of youth on the continent. You cannot discuss climate, biodiversity, or agriculture without land security—and without including women,” he said.
YILAA, which operates in 31 African countries, identified Bungoma as the starting point of its Kenya program after a baseline study revealed the county’s high vulnerability to deforestation, erratic rainfall, flooding, and drought.
The study, conducted in Webuye East, Mount Elgon, and Cheptais sub-counties, found that only 27.6% of young people had a strong understanding of climate justice, while nearly half had limited or no awareness.
“Bungoma emerged as one of the counties most affected by climate justice issues,” Houedji said. “This project can transform the community and create value for youth.”
The assessment revealed that most youth-led environmental actions in Bungoma are event-based—tree planting and clean-ups often tied to national holidays.
The YILAA model instead promotes continuous, community-centered engagement.
“If we train 15 young people, each one trains 15 more. This spreads awareness, curbs environmental destruction, and creates green jobs,” Houedji explained.
The project includes eco-preneurship training, teaching young people to turn environmental challenges into business ventures such as:
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Plastic recycling for bags and jewelry
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Honey production linked to forest conservation
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Small-scale green agriculture projects
“These initiatives create jobs while protecting the environment,” Houedji noted.
The survey of 1,143 youth identified key barriers to youth leadership in climate action:
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Limited access to land
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Financial constraints
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Lack of meaningful inclusion in policy decisions
In Cheptais, cultural norms still restrict land ownership for youth and women. In Mount Elgon, awareness and opportunities for engagement remain low.
YILAA’s Anglophone Countries Manager Deborah Oyugi said the findings highlight the disconnect between policy and community awareness.
“Only 27 percent of youth understand climate justice, yet Bungoma has a climate change policy. This means we have not been communicating effectively,” she said.
She emphasized the need for intergenerational dialogue and youth participation in decision-making.
“If you’re not included, you’re on the menu. We want young people at the table, not just in photo opportunities.”
Young climate activists say they are stepping up to fill the gap.
Nanjekho Mulati, from Webuye East, said youth must move beyond symbolic activities:
“We need continuous engagement. The biggest gap is lack of awareness and exclusion from decision-making.”
Another youth leader, Erick Makokha, described the training as transformative.
“I now understand how flooding, tree cutting, and changing weather affect farming. I will talk to my community about solutions.”
From Mount Elgon, teacher Timothy Tumwet said rising landslides and falling river levels have awakened concern:
“People are now planting trees as a personal commitment. That gives me hope.”
YILAA’s baseline report has been presented to the Bungoma County Government and will inform upcoming climate action strategies. Key recommendations include:
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Establishing a county climate action fund for youth-led initiatives
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Integrating climate justice education in schools and community radio
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Advancing gender-sensitive land reforms
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Creating a Bungoma Youth Climate Action Network to coordinate advocacy
As the movement grows, youth leaders say the stakes are high—and the moment is urgent.
“The future is bright,” Oyugi affirmed. “Bungoma has the human resource to lead change. We can be the generation that gets it right.”
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