The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat — it’s here, and its impact is being felt most by vulnerable communities across Coastal Kenya. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, coastal erosion, and deforestation are affecting livelihoods, food security, and health. But there is hope — and it’s coming from the region’s young people.
At Pamoja Community Based Organization (PACBO), we believe that youth are not just the future of climate action — they are the present. Through our Youth Climate Champions Program, we are equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools, knowledge, and platforms to drive environmental change right here in Kwale County.
From Awareness to Action
Launched in 2022, the Youth Climate Champions Program trains young people aged 15–30 in:
- Environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration
- Sustainable agriculture and water management
- Climate justice and policy advocacy
- Community organizing and mobilization
Participants take part in workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and hands-on activities like:
- Tree planting campaigns
- Mangrove restoration in coastal zones
- School outreach and climate clubs
- Community clean-up days
“This is more than just planting trees. It’s about defending our land, protecting our oceans, and speaking up for our future,” says Kevin M., a 22-year-old climate ambassador from Ukunda.
Youth at the Frontline of Coastal Conservation
Kwale’s coastline is under threat — from deforestation, plastic waste, and rising sea levels. Our young volunteers are stepping up to protect it.
One of our most successful projects involved a youth-led cleanup of the Tiwi and Diani beaches, where over 1.2 tons of plastic waste were collected and recycled in partnership with local eco-entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, our mangrove restoration initiative in Gazi Bay — run by youth from Msambweni — has restored over 8,000 mangrove seedlings in degraded coastal zones since 2023.
Building Policy-Aware Young Leaders
Climate action isn’t only about what happens on the ground. It also requires youth voices in decision-making spaces.
We train young people on how to:
- Understand Kenya’s national climate policies
- Engage in county-level forums and barazas
- Advocate for just climate financing and land rights
- Represent their communities in youth summits and COP dialogues
“I used to think policy was for politicians. Now I know I can influence what happens in my ward,” says Aisha W., a youth participant from Kinondo.
Program Highlights So Far
Since its launch, the Youth Climate Champions Program has:
- Trained over 350 youth across 5 wards in Kwale
- Planted over 15,000 trees in public and community spaces
- Launched 6 youth-led climate clubs in local schools
- Engaged in 3 county-level environmental policy forums
Get Involved
Are you a young person in Kwale interested in climate action?
Join our next cohort of Youth Climate Champions.
Are you an organization, donor, or school looking to partner?
We’re looking for like-minded collaborators to scale this work.
Want to support with a donation?
Every KSh 100 plants a tree. Every KSh 1,000 trains a youth leader.
Together, we can create a greener, more just future — led by the youth of Coastal Kenya.
[Join Now] [Partner With Us] [Donate]
