- 22 octobre 2025
- Envoyé par : Godwin TADOUDJE
- Catégorie : BLOG, Kenya, YECJS Project
Bungoma County, Kenya – April 2025 The Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA), through its Kenya Chapter, has unveiled the Baseline Assessment Report of the Youth Empowerment for Climate Justice and Sustainability (YECJS) Project.
This groundbreaking study provides valuable insights into the levels of awareness, participation, and barriers faced by young people in climate justice and environmental governance across Bungoma County.
Understanding the Context
The baseline assessment, carried out in Webuye East, Mount Elgon, and Cheptais sub-counties, surveyed 1,143 young people aged 18–35 with a 99% response rate.
It employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including structured questionnaires, key informant interviews with county officials (Ministries of Agriculture, Lands, and Environment), and a review of existing youth-led initiatives.
The exercise aimed to provide an evidence-based understanding of how youth in Bungoma County engage with, perceive, and contribute to climate action and justice.
Key Findings
The report paints a clear picture of both progress and gaps in youth engagement
- Only 27.6% of respondents demonstrated high awareness of climate justice.
- 46.1% showed moderate to low awareness, and 26.3% had no awareness at all.
- Awareness of climate change impacts was higher, with floods (47%), deforestation (46%), and soil degradation identified as the most pressing environmental issues.
Youth participation remains limited and often informal, primarily involving short-term activities such as tree planting, community clean-ups, and awareness campaigns.
The main barriers to meaningful participation include:
- Insufficient financial and technical resources;
- Land ownership challenges, particularly in Cheptais, linked to traditional norms;
- Gender disparities restricting young women’s involvement;
- Limited inclusion of youth in county-level policy and decision-making processes.
Nevertheless, the study highlights promising opportunities:
YILAA identified 22 youth-led environmental initiatives in Webuye East and Mount Elgon — demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a strong community spirit among local youth.
Building Momentum for Youth Leadership
The report emphasizes the need to strengthen youth agency through:
- Awareness and education programs tailored to local contexts;
- Capacity-building and mentorship initiatives for emerging youth leaders;
- County-level climate funds dedicated to youth-led actions;
- Gender-responsive and inclusive land and climate policies;
- And the creation of a Bungoma Youth Climate Action Network to enhance collaboration among local initiatives.
“The findings underscore both the challenges and the remarkable potential of young people in advancing climate justice,”
said a YILAA Kenya representative.
“With the right knowledge, resources, and platforms, youth can lead transformative action for a just and sustainable Africa.”
A Call to Collective Action
The YECJS Baseline Report calls upon county governments, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organizations to work together in removing structural barriers that hinder youth participation.
By aligning policies, funding, and mentorship opportunities, stakeholders can ensure that youth voices and actions are fully integrated into Kenya’s climate governance frameworks.
YILAA Kenya will use the findings of this report as a foundation for advocacy, awareness campaigns, and targeted interventions to empower youth as key actors in climate justice and sustainability.
About the YECJS Project
The Youth Empowerment for Climate Justice and Sustainability (YECJS) project aims to strengthen youth participation in climate governance, enhance awareness on environmental rights, and build leadership capacities for sustainability and justice in Africa.
This initiative is supported by the Youth Climate Justice Fund and the Rockefeller Foundation, under the leadership of YILAA Kenya.
Access to the Launch Session Here
Download the Report
