Growing up in Kenya, I have always been aware of how closely our lives are intertwined with the environment. The unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and the climate crisis are happening right now, affecting livelihoods, food security, and the health of entire communities. One of the most urgent environmental challenges in my community is climate-induced displacement due to extreme weather conditions. Families who once depended on predictable seasons for farming now struggle with prolonged droughts, flash floods, and soil degradation, forcing many to leave their homes in search of better living conditions.
I remember speaking with a young farmer in the semi-arid region of Kajiado who told me how her family’s livestock, their primary source of income, had perished due to prolonged drought. She stood under the scorching sun, pointing to the empty livestock pens where over 100 goats and cows once lived, now just dust and hopelessness. Her story is not unique, and that is what made me sad; it reflected the hardship that over 3.5 million Kenyans were facing during the 2022 drought, with numbers rising even further to 4.1 million as food insecurity escalated across the country.
This personal encounter reinforced my resolve to be part of the solution.
As a Global Youth SDG and Climate Advocate, I have dedicated my work to addressing these challenges, both at the policy level and on the ground. Through my involvement with CMCAN (Climate Mobility Community Action Network), Association of Intersex Parenthood, Global Peace Foundation Kenya and other international and community based organisations, I advocate for climate mobility solutions, ensuring that displacement due to environmental changes is recognized as a key issue in climate negotiations. It is not just about policy, it is about ensuring that affected communities have access to sustainable solutions such as climate-resilient agriculture and alternative livelihoods.
Beyond advocacy, I actively engage in practical actions that contribute to climate resilience. In collaboration with local youth groups and organizations, I have been involved in planting over 10,000 trees in High Schools such as Alliance boys High School. These efforts are not just about trees; they are about restoring ecosystems, protecting water sources, and educating communities on sustainable land use practices.
Another critical area I focus on is climate education and youth engagement. Many young people in my community are eager to be part of the climate solution but lack the knowledge or platforms to take action. That is why I actively engage youth through different initiatives reaching thousands of youths globally. I help them understand climate policies and how they can engage in global conversations, such as at the Conference of Parties and other climate events whether virtually or in-person. I strongly believe that local voices must be at the center of climate solutions, and empowering young leaders ensures that our communities are better prepared for climate challenges.
My expertise in climate security and governance has been further strengthened by training in Climate, Peace, and Security by UNDP, Climate Governance Diplomacy, Leadership, and Negotiations by the Africa Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) and Global Health Academy by One Young World and the Gates Foundation. These programmes have deepened my understanding of the intersections between climate action, health, security, and international diplomacy, equipping me with the tools to advocate for comprehensive and sustainable climate policies.
One of the most fulfilling projects I have been part of is a climate-smart agriculture initiative where we worked with small-scale farmers over 20 households to adopt sustainable farming techniques. By promoting practices such as rainwater harvesting, smart-cooking, agroforestry, and organic farming, we help communities build resilience against harsh weather patterns. As one farmer told me, she grows food easily without waiting for rains. Seeing these farmers improve their yields despite changing climates is a reminder that local action matters.
Addressing climate challenges requires a multi-dimensional approach, one that combines advocacy, education, and practical solutions on the ground. While the scale of environmental challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, I find hope in the collective action of young people, local communities, and global networks working towards sustainable solutions. My role in this movement is not just to speak about climate change but to ensure that real, impactful actions are taken to protect the environment and secure a future for the next generations.
