By Ellys Mugunda
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has partnered with Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) to support a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders in Kenya, as part of efforts to advance green and inclusive growth across the continent.
The collaboration is being implemented through the Green Careers Caravan (GCC), a nationwide initiative designed to raise awareness of green skills among university students and guide them toward emerging opportunities in sustainability-linked careers.
The programme focuses on sectors such as renewable energy, climate action, regenerative agriculture, and environmental management, which are seen as critical to building climate resilience and accelerating Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Speaking on the initiative, JLA Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Stella Bogonko said the project links climate action with employability.
“By connecting young people to green skills and opportunities, we are opening new pathways for them to secure meaningful work while driving Kenya’s transition to a green economy,” she noted.
The Green Careers Caravan has been touring universities across the country, hosting “Green Career Days” that feature mentorship sessions, training workshops, case studies and podcasts focused on green career pathways.
On 28 October, the caravan stopped at the University of Embu, where hundreds of students interacted with experts from the green economy sector.
During the event, University of Embu Vice-Chancellor Professor Daniel Mugendi expressed strong support for Jacob’s Ladder Africa, which aims to help activate 30 million jobs in Africa’s green economy by 2033.
The VC underscored the need to equip graduates with the right mix of skills and mindset to position them as leaders in Kenya’s sustainable development journey.
For many students, the caravan marked a turning point in how they view their future careers. Participants said they gained new insights, practical skills, and motivation to explore opportunities in the green economy.
Bogonko said the GCC seeks to create awareness and provide clear pathways to green jobs by helping students acquire new skills or upskill based on their university studies to remain competitive in a changing job market.
In Kenya, where youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge, demand is rising for skills in areas such as carbon accounting, carbon markets advocacy, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture. Yet, according to JLA, 67 percent of students are still unaware of green job opportunities.
This gap, said Hendrina Chalwe Doroba, Education and Skills Development Division Manager at the African Development Bank, highlights the importance of the Bank’s continued investments in Kenya’s education and skills ecosystem.
In its first phase, running from September 2025 to April 2026, the Green Careers Caravan aims to reach 15 universities across eight regions in Kenya. So far, it has visited the University of Embu, Kisii University and Taita Taveta University. The programme plans to scale up to cover all 42 public universities in the country by 2030.
