Lodwar, 4th June 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The Department of Gender and Youth Affairs in collaboration with Plan International Kenya, have validated findings from a baseline assessment under the Turkana Youth Climate Fund pilot project. paving the way for increased youth participation in climate action and green enterprise development.
The validation exercise was convened through the Gender and Youth Sector Working Group (SWG), which provides coordination and technical oversight for programmes within the sector.
The one-year initiative targets more than 500 young people aged 18–30 years across Turkana Central, Turkana North, Kibish, Loima and Lokiriama. The programme seeks to empower youth to lead climate resilience and environmental sustainability efforts while creating economic opportunities through climate-smart enterprises.
Supported by Korea International Cooperation Agency and UNICEF, the project is being implemented by Plan International Kenya.
Speaking during the meeting, Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Affairs, Evans Lomodei, underscored the project’s significance in advancing youth empowerment and inclusive development.
“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.
He further noted that future engagements should reflect equitable representation of youth from across the county, stressing that inclusivity would enhance programme effectiveness.
Deputy Director for Youth Affairs, Linus Ekidor, described the initiative as a timely intervention that will promote youth-led innovation and climate action. He called on youth representatives to champion the programme within their communities and ensure information reaches as many young people as possible.
“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 co-creation and meaningful stakeholder engagement in ensuring the programme responds to the actual needs and aspirations of young people. He also stressed the critical role of Sector Working Groups in strengthening coordination among partners.
Representing Plan International Kenya, Mark Lominito said the validation exercise was essential in grounding the programme in the realities and experiences of young people in Turkana.
He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working closely with the County Government and youth structures to ensure the pilot project delivers lasting and meaningful impact.
Youth representative Alphayo Nachaan welcomed the initiative, saying it presents a valuable opportunity for young people to contribute to climate solutions while accessing economic empowerment opportunities.
Successful applicants will receive seed grants ranging from KSh 100,000 to KSh 400,000 to scale climate-smart enterprises.
The programme will also offer mentorship and coaching, entrepreneurship and digital literacy training, market linkages, networking opportunities, and increased visibility for youth-led initiatives.
Key recommendations emerging from the assessment included strengthening the link between business development, climate resilience and green growth, tailoring livelihood interventions to location-specific needs; expanding structured youth development programmes focused on entrepreneurship
The meeting brought together officials from the Departments of Climate Change, Gender and Youth Affairs, Tourism, Economic Planning and Partnerships, alongside representatives from partner organizations including World Food Programme, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Kenya Red Cross Society, BOMA, Welthungerhilfe, ADRA Kenya and Akili Dada, among others.
