Over 2000 Kisumu youths targeted in climate change programme

Kisumu county commissioner Benson Leparmorijo/FILE

More than 2,100 young people in Kisumu county are set to benefit from the government’s Climate Works Project, a programme designed to tackle both rising youth unemployment and the adverse effects of climate change.

This initiative specifically targets youth living in informal settlements such as Manyatta, Obunga, Nyalenda and Bandani, areas that face persistent joblessness and environmental degradation.

Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo stated that participants in the programme will be engaged in a range of climate-smart and green economy activities. 

These, he said, include solid waste collection, production of seedlings, tree planting, urban beautification, as well as the construction and upkeep of road infrastructure.

“This initiative serves a dual purpose. It’s a vehicle for environmental restoration and a platform for empowering our youth economically,” Leparmorijo said.

The recruitment process will be conducted online and efforts will be made to achieve gender balance among selected applicants. 

“The programme will adhere to a 50:50 gender distribution to ensure equal opportunities for young men and women.”

Priority areas within the informal settlements have already been identified and a community outreach campaign is ongoing to inform and encourage eligible youth to apply once the application portal becomes active.

“To ensure fairness, a one-person-per-household policy will be applied during recruitment.”

Leparmorijo emphasised that this approach will prevent scenarios where multiple family members benefit at the expense of others and will help distribute opportunities more equitably across the community.

Already, a multi-agency committee has been established to facilitate the rollout and ensure smooth coordination.

The team includes representatives from the National Government Administration Officers, National Environment Management Authority, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority and the State Department for Youth Affairs, among others.

The committee is expected to hold its first meeting this week to finalise planning and synchronise efforts across various institutions involved.

The Climate Works Project aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change under the National Climate Change Action Plan and the Green Jobs Initiative, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities for youth at the grassroots level.