In a major stride toward urban transformation and youth empowerment, Kenya has inducted 25,000 young people into its Climate Worx Green Workforce initiative.
The mass induction event, held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on July 25, signals the beginning of an ambitious new phase in the government’s nationwide strategy to address unemployment and environmental degradation simultaneously.
The Climate Worx programme, launched by President William Ruto, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), county governments, the National Youth Service (NYS), civil society organisations, and other development stakeholders.
“This isn’t just about cleaning up our environment; it’s about tackling the problem at the source.
It’s about restoring dignity to informal workers, revitalising neglected urban spaces, and building a greener, more inclusive future led by our youth,” said NRC Chief Executive Officer, Rtd. Brigadier Joseph Muracia.
The new recruits—drawn from diverse backgrounds including youth, women, NYS alumni, and community-based groups—will be deployed across critical urban zones such as Kibra, Dandora, and Lucky Summer.
Their work will focus on rehabilitating rivers, unclogging drains, upgrading sanitation infrastructure, and converting neglected spaces into safe, functional public areas.
One of the key focus areas is the 27-kilometre Nairobi River corridor, recently designated a Special Planning Area in March 2025. This corridor has been at the heart of Kenya’s urban renewal push, transitioning from a symbol of pollution to a flagship model of green regeneration.
The Climate Worx initiative goes beyond environmental clean-up. It is structured to deliver long-term socio-economic benefits including paid employment, skills development, small business incubation, and infrastructure upgrades.
Officials say this expanded implementation phase will activate new project sites in the coming weeks and is designed for sustainability through strong coordination, continuous training, and robust monitoring systems.
By linking climate adaptation with inclusive economic development, Climate Worx is fast emerging as a blueprint for green job creation across the continent.
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