Turkana Validates Youth Climate Fund Baseline Findings to Boost Green Enterprises and Climate Action

Kenya, 7 June 2026 - Turkana County has taken a major step toward strengthening youth participation in climate action and green enterprise development after validating findings from a baseline assessment under the Turkana Youth Climate Fund pilot project

The validation exercise, organised by the Department of Gender and Youth Affairs in partnership with Plan International Kenya, was conducted through the Gender and Youth Sector Working Group (SWG), which coordinates and provides technical oversight for programmes within the sector.

The one-year project targets more than 500 young people aged between 18 and 30 years in Turkana Central, Turkana North, Kibish, Loima, and Lokiriama. It aims to empower youth to lead climate resilience and environmental conservation initiatives while creating sustainable economic opportunities through climate-smart enterprises.

The initiative is supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF,and is being implemented by Plan International Kenya.

Speaking during the validation meeting, Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs Evans Lomodei described the programme as a critical intervention for youth empowerment and inclusive development in the county.

“This project is important in helping the department empower young people. We must ensure inclusivity by involving youth from all parts of the county, including persons with disabilities. Information is power, and it must reach everyone,” he said.

Lomodei emphasised the need for equitable representation of youth from across Turkana to ensure the programme benefits all communities and achieves its intended impact.

Deputy Director for Youth Affairs Linus Ekidor said the initiative comes at a time when young people are increasingly seeking opportunities to engage in climate action and entrepreneurship.

He urged youth leaders and representatives to raise awareness about the programme and encourage wider participation among young people.

“This project is intended to benefit the youth of Turkana. As youth leaders and representatives, you have a responsibility to take this information back to your communities and ensure more young people are aware of the opportunities available through the fund,” he said.

Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Coordination Michael Aupe highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and co-creation in designing programmes that address the real needs of young people.

He noted that collaboration through Sector Working Groups remains vital in strengthening coordination between government departments and development partners.

Plan International Kenya representative Mark Lominito said the validation exercise would help ensure the programme is grounded in the realities and experiences of young people in Turkana.

He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to working closely with the county government and youth structures to ensure the pilot project delivers sustainable results.

Youth representative Alphayo Nachaan welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for young people to contribute to climate solutions while improving their livelihoods.

Under the programme, successful applicants will receive seed grants ranging from KSh 100,000 to KSh 400,000 to establish or expand climate-smart enterprises.

Beneficiaries will also access mentorship and coaching, entrepreneurship and digital literacy training, market linkages, networking opportunities, and enhanced visibility for youth-led ventures.