Peter K’opiyo
Conversations on climate change, advocacy and action have for the longest time left out the largest part of Kenya’s most active population – the youth. Popularly known as the GEN-Zs, they are the most energetic lot, full of promising futures.
The biggest question however remains, has there been sufficient creation of awareness on impact of climate change and on significance of climate action? And has the young population been involved and included to ensure vast diversity and proper representation? What is the cost of the campaign, and how is it managed or rather, who manages it?
What about the space of Persons with Disability in the conversation? Are they brought on board? And are they heard or do they have a voice?
Talking to a few individuals reveals a lot of blank pages that need to be filled appropriately, in order to combat climate change and address the crisis we are in with utmost sobriety.
According to Collins Otiende Ochieng, founder and executive director of Bright Future Kenya, environmental conservation matters to some point have remained a boardroom work just save for tree-planting activities that have been carried out nationwide. But still, who makes a follow-up after the planting exercise?
Otiende, a teacher by profession, however expresses optimism that with support from government and other key stakeholders, especially the non-government organizations, a lot can be achieved if the youth are brought on board and technology is embraced in totality.
“It is true that as of now, there are people who don’t know the meaning or terms used in climate matters. When people like the Gen-Zs are brought together, the information will be widespread, people made aware and get informed. This will help in getting more people on board to help in the journey of fighting climate change,” elaborated Otiende.
On the other hand, Jacob Mosenda, a Media Coordinator and Communications Officer at Climate Clock-Kenya, notes that there is still much to be done on matters creation of awareness especially to the youth, on the impacts of climate change and significance of climate action, even though Kenya has made positive strides towards that direction.
The steps, he says, are way too low if compared to how the youth in other developing countries have been passionately been embraced passionately in the climate action campaigns.
“In reference to the Kenyan context, awareness of climate action is trying to come up, but it is still low, we are not yet there. Some of the government institutions such as the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and non-governmental organizations such as Climate Clock-Kenya, are trying their level best to ensure championing for advocacy and creating awareness,” Mosenda disclosed.
The digital platforms have in most instances been associated with the Kenyan youths, especially on matters of leadership, politics and governance, however, it can also be one of the best platforms for involving and educating the vibrant, vigilant generation in this course.
“If Kenya leverages on the aspect of digital media, to give the Gen-Z’s an opportunity to utilize the digital platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to educate peers on how climate change affect communities and inspire actions promoting activities that are regarded as eco-friendly behaviors, then we shall have achieved a lot on creating awareness,” stated Mosenda.
Youth, technology, innovation and climate action
Being an erudite group of the society, well conversant with matters of technological advancements, if well informed and equipped with sufficient resources, the Gen-Z population will play a critical role in the campaign to avert the global crisis.
Kenya supports The Fossil fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which sought to bring to an end the exploration and expansion of fossil fuels.
In addition, it was also aimed at phasing-out the production of the same, as per the Paris Climate Agreement of 2016 that was adopted during the COP21 Summit, and instead fully support the transition to renewable energy.
“The youth can actually come up with innovations and new technological advancements. For instance, if we use renewable sources of energy, this will help us to fight climate change. I know of someone in Kisumu who uses plastics to make beautiful artwork that can be used for decorations and beautifications from the skills he has. This is key in conserving our environment and reducing pollution,” noted Otiende.
Regarding planting of trees and protection of already existing forests and tree cover, Jacob Mosenda, highlights the innovation of an AI powered system, to warn against illegal logging, wildfires and charcoal burning, and sends a signal, giving information in real-time in case of any unusual occurrences in the forests.
“There are many innovations regarding climate action and also waste management. Many young people have come up with companies that either recycle plastic products or change them to totally new products. These are great initiatives that the government can give more input in,” he remarked, urging the government to put in more emphasis on supporting local youth-led companies that are helping sort out waste management menace especially in our cities so as to reduce pollution and mitigate impacts of climate change.
Collins Otiende leading youth in campaigning against the use of fossil fuel. Photo/Courtesy
Cost, youth and PWD’s inclusion
Having had many deft youths in the political and governance space, there is a need to have them included in the climate action campaigns. This means, even the persons with disabilities (PWDs) are brought to the table, given a chance to speak up, and their voices heard.
Johnkeen Ochieng, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wheels 4 Trees, says climate change is a global issue that needs to be addressed by everyone because it hasn’t spared any portion of humanity, adding that persons with disabilities were the most vulnerable group to effects of climate change.
“I founded Wheels 4 Trees in 2023 after attending the Africa Climate Summit because even at the conference, I felt that persons with disabilities were not involved. They were not even given an opportunity to talk on the high table or even during panel discussions on matters like climate change and the unapologetic cruel experiences it has compelled humanity to endure,” stated Ochieng.
He further elucidates challenges PWDs face that hinder them from being included in climate change, and action discussions citing communication barriers for people with hearing and visual impairments, the blind and the deaf, saying the mode of communication used is discriminative.
Inclusion of Gen-Z is however to be accompanied by adequate support in terms of resources, training and capacity building, seminars and conferences to at least put them in the picture, substantiate to them what is needed of them, and further inform them of what is expected of them.
“We have climate change Bills, for instance in Kisumu there is the Kisumu County Climate Change Act, 2023 and the Kisumu County Integrated Climate Change Action Plan (KCICAP 2022-2027). However, these have not been implemented, it is unfortunate that the government has not shown any seriousness,” lamented Ochieng.
One thing that commonly stands out is the high cost of the campaigns that organizations involved had to grapple with, compelling persons involved to dig deep into their pockets.
However, there is little support from donors, private firms and government agencies but still much is required to make the crusades successful and impactful; to enable make inroads into the lowest levels of societies and create awareness.
Frequent training and capacity building, both online and offline campaigns, proper utilization of digital platforms for education and information would be a great step towards saving mother earth.
“The population of youths is much higher than that of the aging generation. They are the future leaders, therefore the future caretakers of the planet, therefore it is their mandate to have their future fitted well and this is the right time to do so. They should do this with passion because in doing so, they are making the future brighter not only for them but also for generations to come,” concluded Mosenda.