In the heart of Kenya’s climate action push lies a powerful yet often overlooked tool: green skills. As the country battles the escalating effects of climate change — from erratic rainfall to prolonged droughts and devastating floods — the need to equip its population with knowledge and practical capabilities tailored to sustainability has never been more urgent.
Green skills refer to the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop, and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society. In Kenya, these skills are emerging as a critical pillar for building climate resilience across all levels — from rural farmers adapting their practices to unpredictable weather, to urban youth innovating green technology solutions.
“Green skills are the engine behind a just transition. Without equipping our people — especially the youth — with the tools to participate in a green economy, we risk creating deeper inequality in the face of climate change.” ~ Dr. Pacifica Ogola, Director of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
Across counties, training in climate-smart agriculture is empowering smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, to make the most of limited water and land resources. Initiatives teaching regenerative farming, soil conservation, and agroforestry are not only restoring degraded lands but also improving food security and incomes. Institutions like the Kenya School of Agriculture and programs under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry are leading the charge in incorporating sustainability modules into agricultural extension services.
In urban centers, the rise of green tech hubs and innovation labs is nurturing a new generation of eco-preneurs. Young people are building careers around renewable energy, e-mobility, recycling, and nature-based solutions. For example, vocational training centers are now offering programs in solar panel installation, water harvesting technologies, and sustainable construction — green pathways that also open up employment opportunities in a job-scarce environment.
Education is also transforming. The government’s new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is embedding environmental stewardship and sustainability principles from an early age. In doing so, Kenya is not just preparing future scientists or conservationists — it’s nurturing a population that understands and actively contributes to environmental protection in everyday life.
Community-based organizations and NGOs are playing a vital role in bridging gaps by offering localized training and upskilling programs, often in partnership with international development agencies. These range from mangrove restoration training along the coast to climate journalism and storytelling workshops that empower youth to amplify local solutions and indigenous knowledge.
Yet, challenges remain. Many rural communities lack access to the necessary infrastructure, resources, and information. There is a need for increased investment in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), support for green startups, and stronger linkages between industry, academia, and local communities.
Still, the momentum is growing. Green skills are no longer a niche — they are the bedrock of Kenya’s climate adaptation and resilience strategy. As the country works toward its Vision 2030 goals and international climate commitments, investing in green skills is not just wise policy — it is a moral imperative, ensuring that no one is left behind in the green transition.
