Kajiado County has launched the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, an initiative designed to empower young people to implement innovative climate action projects through grants and technical support.
The programme targets youth aged between 15 and 24 years and seeks to support community-based environmental initiatives, including tree planting, water conservation, recycling, waste management and other projects aimed at building climate resilience.
Speaking during the launch, Kajiado Deputy Governor Mathew Moshisho said the county was privileged to be among the few beneficiaries of the global initiative, which is being implemented in 300 cities across the world.
He noted that only four counties in Kenya were selected to participate in the programme and urged young people across Kajiado to seize the opportunity by submitting innovative proposals that address environmental challenges facing their communities.
“This is the launch of the application process. We are inviting all young people aged between 15 and 24 years to apply with creative environmental ideas that can make a positive impact on our county,” said Moshisho.
He said the application window will remain open for one month, with successful youth groups receiving grants ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh600,000 depending on the innovation, feasibility and expected impact of their proposed projects.
Moshisho said the one-year programme will run until August 21, 2027, with only 10 youth groups selected to receive funding after a competitive evaluation process.
He thanked Bloomberg Philanthropies for supporting climate change mitigation efforts in Kajiado, noting that climate change continues to threaten livelihoods through prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall and environmental degradation caused by deforestation and fossil fuel emissions.
The Deputy Governor encouraged applicants to access detailed information and application guidelines through the Kajiado County website.
County Executive Committee Member for Environment Judith Pere welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen the county’s climate change mitigation efforts while giving young people an opportunity to actively participate in environmental conservation.
She urged students and youth groups to take advantage of the programme to enhance their knowledge, develop practical environmental solutions and contribute to sustainable development.
Chief Officer for Environment James Ngugi said the fund provides an opportunity for young people to develop innovative projects capable of addressing the effects of climate change in Kajiado County.
“This is an opportunity for our youth to become part of the solution by introducing innovative ideas that will shape the future of our environment,” Ngugi said.
St. Patrick’s School Principal Simon Nderitu thanked the county government for selecting the institution to host the launch, saying the event had exposed students to valuable knowledge on climate action and available environmental opportunities.
Youth representative Branies Indumuli from Ololua in Kajiado North welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major motivation for young people to participate in environmental conservation and climate action.
She said the grants would inspire more youth-led projects that promote environmental sustainability and strengthen community resilience against the effects of climate change.
By Sinkeet Kikon
