By Dorothy Musyoka
In a bold step towards combating climate change and fostering sustainable development, Kenya has launched the Climate WorX initiative,a groundbreaking program aimed at building climate resilience, restoring ecosystems, and creating job opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Speaking during the launch,President William Ruto noted that the initiative is set to offer job opportunities to 200,000 people from across Kenya.
“In Korogocho, Nairobi County, launched the Climate WorX Initiative that will employ more than 200,000 people across the country to help regenerate and conserve our environment,” President Ruto said.
Climate WorX is set to revolutionize environmental conservation efforts while providing economic empowerment to the next generation.
“Climate WorX is a transformative initiative aimed at building climate resilience, restoring ecosystems, and creating job opportunities for Kenyan youth. It aims to employ 200,000 young men and women from every part of Kenya in the development of critical infrastructure and environmental projects within their communities,” noted the President.
According to Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, the first phase of the ClimateWorX initiative will kick off on October 1, 2024, in Nairobi County, with the hiring of 20,000 youth to participate in the regeneration of the Nairobi River.Following the Nairobi launch, the program will be rapidly expanded to include the four major cities of Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru within a month.
Additionally 40,098 youth will be recruited for various projects, with 10,000 of them allocated to other areas of Nairobi starting in early November.
By December 2024, Climate WorX will be rolled out across all remaining counties, engaging 139,902 youth, ensuring that every part of the country is represented and that all regions have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative initiative.
Youth from across the country are encouraged to be part of this groundbreaking movement by applying for opportunities through the Climate WorX website at http://crsp.go.ke.
“I encourage young people to be part of making Kenya’s cities, urban spaces and neighboourhoods liveable, smart, green and sustainable by applying for climateWorX through www.crsp.go.ke,” noted the President.
The initiative aligns with the national vision of preserving Kenya as the environmental capital of the world and ensuring that its natural beauty is maintained for future generations.