Youth Drive Greener Future

Participants at the KEFRI research site in Tiva, Kitui County during the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop themed _“From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.”_

Young environmental leaders from across Kenya have declared their commitment to driving the country’s green transition and forest conservation efforts. This declaration was made during the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop held in Kitui County under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.”

Organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the three-day workshop brought together youth aged 18–30 to co-create practical forest solutions ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

The forum focused on enhancing youth skills in conservation, ecopreneurship, and advocacy, while uniting their voices on forestry and climate action.The youth declaration addressed major challenges in Kenya’s forest sector, including climate change, deforestation, exclusion from policymaking, and limited access to funding and training.

Despite these hurdles, participants affirmed their readiness to lead change through innovative solutions such as tree nurseries, carbon credit initiatives, climate-smart agroforestry, digital forest advocacy, and eco-enterprises.

“Young people are not just future leaders they are today’s drivers of sustainability and innovation,” the declaration stated.Participants called on the government to integrate youth into forestry governance, expand green financing and training, and embed sustainable forestry education in tertiary institutions.

They also urged the private sector and development partners to support youth-led enterprises and mentorship programs.

AFF Consultant Dr. Joshua Cheboiwo emphasized that forests offer vast employment opportunities, while KEFRI CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna described youth empowerment in forest management as an urgent necessity.

Dr. Mutta, speaking for AFF’s leadership, said the workshop fused traditional knowledge with science to empower youth with informed, actionable solutions.

The AY4F initiative continues to amplify youth voices in climate and forest governance, preparing a generation ready to lead Africa’s ecological and economic transformation.