Climate change is already posing a significant threat to communities across the globe, but in Kilifi County, the stakes are even higher. Here, the effects of climate change are evident in every component of daily life—from food scarcity to extreme weather events. Unfortunately, children bear the brunt of these issues, yet they are often the least responsible for causing them. If we are to secure a sustainable future, children must be at the forefront of climate action, equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand, adapt to, and ultimately prevent further damage.

Kilifi County faces a binate threat of droughts and floods that disrupt livelihoods and endanger lives. The Galana River, the region’s only estuary, alternates between two extremes: flooding its banks and displacing entire communities or drying up, leaving farmers without water to sustain crops. As a result, food security is precarious, with many families limited to basic crops like cassava and maize, which provide minimal nutritional value. Rising sea levels have worsened the situation, with teachers sometimes wading through flooded areas to reach schools, where they rescue children stranded by unexpected floods.

Recognizing the urgency of equipping the next generation to address these challenges, GIZ OneMillionTrees4Kilifi, Little Impactors, Clean Up Kenya, Mtoto News, and Sustainable Fashion organized a landmark event. Held at the Ocean Beach Resort in Malindi on November 2-3, 2024, the Pwani Children Summit was themed “Empowering Young Voices for a Sustainable Future.” This two-day event provided Kilifi’s youth with a hands-on introduction to climate science and a space to explore practical solutions.

Day 1: Learning, Discussion, and Advocacy

Day 1 was filled with informative sessions and peer-to-peer activities. The event started with a warm welcome from children’s trainer, Md Moraa, who emphasized the importance of environmental care. Through tea breaks and discussions, children bonded and set the stage for the collaborative day ahead.

One of the summit’s highlights was the group discussions facilitated by mentors and team leaders. Divided into 8 groups, each group used specially designed children’s books and a climate dictionary provided by GIZ and Mtoto News to explore topics such as climate advocacy, renewable energy, waste management, afforestation and reforestation, and climate mitigation. The group sessions culminated in presentations where children showcased their newfound knowledge.

For instance, Hellen Kariuki led her team in a presentation on climate advocacy, sharing creative ways children can express their voices through social media, poetry, songs, and art. Other groups presented on renewable energy, discussing sustainable energy use and the benefits of clean energy sources. Each presentation sparked curiosity, building a strong foundation of understanding and empowerment.

Day 2: Tree Planting, Climate Action, and Sustainable Fashion

The second day shifted focus from discussion to action. The children created a “micro-climate” at Buntwani Park by planting trees. Divided into eight groups, each team dug pits and planted trees, naming them to instill a sense of ownership and care. Names like “Turtles” and “Tembo” symbolized the children’s commitment to protecting biodiversity. This activity taught the children how small actions, like planting a tree, can contribute to combating climate change and revitalizing local ecosystems.

The day continued with a unique cloth-swapping activity. Children exchanged clothes to emphasize sustainable consumption, an important lesson on minimizing waste and reusing resources. The day ended with a fashion showcase where children displayed garments made from second-hand materials. This hands-on experience drove home the importance of reducing waste and finding creative ways to practice sustainability.

Creating Lasting Impact with the Children Climate Corner

We are committed to keeping the momentum going beyond the summit. Together with other organizations, we are looking to establish a Children Climate Corner at Maono Space. This space will serve as an educational hub where children from Kilifi can access climate-related resources, enhancing their understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

By involving children in discussions, hands-on activities, and advocacy, the Pwani Children Summit demonstrated that young voices are crucial in shaping the future of climate action. Through events like this, Kilifi’s children gain the confidence and tools to be active participants in climate resilience, even as they face challenging conditions that require innovative solutions.

As Kilifi grapples with extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels, empowering its youth with environmental education and action-based knowledge is essential for sustainable development. The Pwani Children Summit was a bold step toward a future where young people are not just aware of climate change—they are part of the solution.

References:

1. Climate Adaptation in Kilifi County: Understanding Local Challenges and Community Resilience. (2024). Climate Studies Journal.
2. Child-Centered Climate Advocacy: Empowering Future Generations. (2023). Youth Climate Action Review.

Kenya is losing 373.9 billion every year to malnutrition, experts have said. This is equivalent to 6.9 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

Kilifi County, a coastal region, is among the areas heavily affected by malnutrition. According to the Kilifi County malnutrition survey conducted in August 2021, nearly one in two children aged two and below are suffering from malnutrition, while 65 percent of children aged five are not receiving adequate nutrition to thrive. “Some of their mothers cannot produce enough milk due to the severe economic challenges imposed by the ongoing drought in the area,” said Nzomo, a nurse at Kaloleni Dispensary.

Nzomo added that babies are often forced to eat unsweetened maize meal (porridge) daily, which is unsuitable for children at such a critical age. Last year’s survey revealed that more than 15,000 children under the age of two suffer from acute malnutrition, and tragically, only 300 of these have reached our facilities,” said Dr. Nyawa Benzadze, a nutritionist at Kilifi County Referral Hospital. The worst-hit regions are Ganze and Magarini Sub-County. The situation is exacerbated as Kilifi faces the impacts of climate change, including floods and drought. (The Standard newspaper – link)

As a teacher, I have witnessed this situation firsthand. Having visited more than a hundred schools in Kilifi County, from nursery to secondary schools, I have seen the harsh realities of life in this region. Driving from the small town of Malindi onto the dust-filled roads of Xhogwani village in Marafa, I encounter students eager to learn. After registering at the school office, I am guided around by the gateman, who is also a groundsman. I am fortunate to meet the students outside on a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius.

I spot a young boy, around 15 years old, whom I’ll call Charo. Charo seems focused and passionate about returning to class, completing primary education, and advancing to high school, and eventually university. However, given Charo’s health and the visible signs of malnutrition, it’s clear that what he needs most is fresh food, not advanced academic lessons. Early in the morning, Charo has a sorrowful expression. When I engage him, he begins to shed tears and explains that he hasn’t eaten since he left school on Friday. The only meal he had was a cup of tea given by the teacher as a reward for answering all nine questions correctly in a math exercise.

As I tour the school, I notice it has a large farm, though part of the land has been encroached upon by neighbors who plant cassava and maize. During the rainy season, the fertility of the land is apparent in the health of the maize and cassava. However, this is not consistent year-round, as farmers often struggle with changing rainfall patterns due to climate change. This is the same community from which Charo comes. The situation worsens at home, as the community still believes that maize and cassava are the only viable crops.

Charo is forced to walk 18 kilometers to reach the nearest school from his home and another 18 kilometers back in the evening. This distance is comparable to that covered by marathon runners. Charo’s journey is not for medals but for survival—walking long distances in the hot sun without a balanced diet while hoping to acquire knowledge and improve his family’s situation in the future. At school, despite the vast land, Charo and over 500 other students lack a green space for shade. The classrooms are in poor condition, lacking basic amenities like windows, desks, and doors. On sunny days, the children sweat all day in class, sitting on the floor and struggling with dust from the bare ground. Charo is just one among many students I have encountered in my professional journey as a teacher in an area severely impacted by climate change.

Imagine if this school had a fruit orchard where Charo could pick mangoes, oranges, and passion fruits during break time. How happy would Charo be, and how motivated would he be to attend school? After enjoying the fruits, Charo could teach his community to embrace planting fruit trees. Oranges, mangoes, and passion fruits thrive in this region. With mature fruit trees, the school community would better withstand changing rainfall patterns. If the school had one acre of fruit trees—about 500 trees—yielding 100 fruits per tree on the first harvest, that would total 50,000 fruits. This surplus would provide the students and their families with essential vitamins, and the excess could be sold to fund school infrastructure improvements.

Inspired by this vision, Onemilliontrees4kilifi was founded, focusing on “Calling Back the Rains.” One of our major goals is to create fruit orchards in 400 schools in Kilifi to combat malnutrition, create mini forests, and encourage communities to replicate these projects in their villages. Establishing one acre of fruit orchard requires only 150,000 Ksh, totaling 120,000,000 Ksh to create 800 acres of fruit orchards in Kilifi. By achieving this, we can provide 200,000 children like Charo with daily fruit and enable the 400 schools in Kilifi to generate income for infrastructure upgrades, ultimately reducing the malnutrition rate in the county and saving money spent on combating it.

We have already created the first fruit orchard at Shomani Girls’ School https://youtube.com/watch?v=yIrl_bU7ZzQ&si=AClsleZ0YAVTBTFf by planting 300 mango trees, 50 passion fruit plants, and 30 pawpaw trees in collaboration with the Open Institute and the school administration. You can be part of this noble journey by sharing this message, connecting us with helpful networks, or donating. Reach us at onemilliontreeskilifi@gmail.com or +254707266031.

In the Coastal town of Kilifi, Kenya, a transformative event is intricated over three dynamic days, bringing together 50 passionate youth from diverse backgrounds, including the dedicated OneMillionTrees4Kilifi group. The Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 conference on Adaptation and Climate Finance was a driving force and action, aligning perfectly with this year’s theme: “Building Generations for Climate Resilience.” This blog delves into the conference’s key discussions, groundbreaking insights, and the vibrant energy that characterized this landmark event.

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Setting the Stage for Climate Action

Opening Ceremonies and Expectations

The conference commenced with an inspiring welcome from Mr Sam, who set the tone for the upcoming discussions. Mr. Sam, the MC for the day, provided a comprehensive overview of the conference’s goals, emphasizing the importance of truth and inclusivity in discussions. Participants were encouraged to engage actively and share ideas in an environment respectful of diverse perspectives.

The ground rules were clear: maintain confidentiality when discussing private matters, respect all viewpoints, and engage actively in both discussions and social media interactions using the hashtags #LCOYKE2024 and #JustClimateTransition. The conference aimed to foster a collaborative atmosphere where youth could explore and influence climate policies and finance opportunities effectively.

Introduction to LCOY

Japheth from the LCOY secretariat provided a detailed overview of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), highlighting its role in shaping the youth position paper for the Conference of Parties (COP). This year’s theme, “Building Generations for Climate Resilience,” reflects the urgency of preparing future generations to tackle climate challenges. Japheth also outlined the objectives of the pre-LCOY conference, which included capacity building, understanding climate frameworks, and leveraging climate finance opportunities.

Insights from Keynote Speakers

The first day featured an acoustic address by Mr. James, the ALIN Regional Director, who acknowledged the participants’ dedication to climate action and the significance of their contributions. His words resonated deeply, accentuating the vital role of youth in shaping climate policies and driving local initiatives.

Delving into Climate Policy and Finance

The second day of the conference was marked by a deep dive into climate policy frameworks, led by Wakili Kelly Banda. The session traced the evolution of climate agreements from the establishment of the UNFCCC in 1992 to the anticipated Dubai Climate Accords in 2023. Key milestones included:

• Kyoto Protocol (1997 – 2012): Introduced binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
• Paris Agreement (2015 – Present): Set ambitious global temperature limits and introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Katowice Climate Package (2018): Finalized the rulebook for the Paris Agreement.
• Glasgow Climate Pact (2021): Called for accelerated action on coal power and fossil fuel subsidies.

Kenya’s Climate Policy Landscape

Kenya’s proactive role in climate action was highlighted, with emphasis on its National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and Climate Change Act (2016). These frameworks showcase Kenya’s commitment to integrating climate action into national development strategies and enhancing resilience across various sectors.

System Thinking and Environmental Sustainability

The concept of system thinking, presented by Lynn, offered a holistic approach to understanding environmental challenges. This methodology emphasizes interconnectedness, feedback loops, and emergent properties within environmental systems. Key applications include:

• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Identifying leverage points for significant impact and developing comprehensive adaptation strategies.
• Resource Management: Promoting sustainable use of resources and managing ecosystem services.
• Pollution Control and Waste Management: Implementing comprehensive strategies for pollution control and advancing waste reduction.

The session acuated the importance of a systemic perspective in crafting effective environmental policies and solutions.

Hands-On Learning and Networking

The afternoon was dedicated to interactive sessions, where participants engaged in practical exercises related to creating perfect societies and policy development. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to forge connections and collaborate on climate action initiatives.

Unlocking Climate Finance Opportunities

Understanding Climate Finance

Day three focused on the intricacies of climate finance, with Collins Otieno leading a session on key financial mechanisms. The workshop covered:

• Global Frameworks: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) play crucial roles in channeling funds for climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
• Kenya’s Experience: Insights into how Kenya integrates climate finance into its development strategies, supported by international and domestic funding sources.

Funding Opportunities for Youth

Mr. Bob’s session highlighted various funding opportunities for youth-led climate initiatives, including the Next Level Grant Facility and Emergency Grants. These funding mechanisms are designed to support community-based projects and address urgent climate-related challenges.

FLOCA: Financing Locally Led Climate Action

The conference featured a presentation by the Climate Change Director, Kanundu, on the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLOCA) fund. FLOCA aims to empower local communities by providing flexible funding and capacity-building support for climate projects. Key features include:

• Local Empowerment: Prioritizing projects led by local stakeholders to ensure context-specific solutions.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing the ability of local organizations to manage and implement climate projects effectively.
• Rapid Response: Providing quick funding responses to address urgent climate challenges.

Kilifi’s Local Climate Action

The director also shared details about the funding allocated to Kilifi County, including 147 million KSH for local climate projects. Notable initiatives include a community seedbed project at Badabaso Ward, demonstrating the tangible impact of FLOCA funding on local communities.

A Call to Action

The Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 conference concluded with a celebration of the most engaged participants, who were recognized for their active contributions and innovative ideas. The event not only equipped youth with valuable knowledge and skills but also ignited a sense of urgency and responsibility to drive climate action.

As the conference drew to a close, the collective energy and commitment of the participants showed the potential for youth-led initiatives to effect meaningful change. With a clear understanding of climate policies, finance mechanisms, and system thinking, the youth of Kilifi are poised to lead the charge in building a resilient and sustainable future.

The Kilifi Pre-LCOY 2024 conference was proof of the power of youth advocacy and the importance of collaborative action in addressing the climate crisis. As we look ahead to the main LCOY conference and beyond, the lessons learned and connections made during these three days will undoubtedly shape the future of climate resilience and action.

Here is the link for some of the work the grass root organisation in Kilifi County do. https://www.linkedin.com/feed https://youtu.be/yIrl_bU7ZzQ?si=7cWD4QpnlB2-aHW5

Do you remember the controversial story of baobab exportation from Kilifi to Shekvetili Dendrological Park Ltd in Ureki, Ozurgeti Municipality, Georgia? Let me take you through it. https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-africas-tree-of-life-faces-multiple-threats/video-68201020

In 2022, a multimillion-dollar company approached the residents of Tenzo Mabuyuni, a village in Kilifi County, Kenya. They expressed interest in buying mature baobab trees, which some claimed to be older than “Jesus.” After surveying the village, they identified and uprooted eight fully-grown baobabs. This trade was not easy. It required numerous certifications. After a push-and-pull that reached the highest office in the land. A court order that was issued halt the exportation but later canceled. Despite local community leaders voicing countless reasons against exporting their heritage. The eight trees were escorted by uniformed police from Tenzo to BOFA, a mini harbor that served as a storage and treatment facility for the baobabs. The next day, residents were shocked to see the trees they revered being loaded onto ships and ferried through the Indian Ocean to Georgia for a newly constructed botanical garden.

Today, we revisited Mabuyuni village in Tenzo to follow up and understand how the community is faring after being coerced into selling the baobabs. Instead of the bright faces I met while making a documentary just after they had sold the baobabs last year with DW, an international television channel, we encountered faces of regret and sorrow. Over 400 students, aged 5 to 15, were visibly hungry. We became interested in understanding the entire situation. The person who could explain the story in depth was the Village Elder. When we asked for Mzee wa Nyumba Kumi (the village elder), his daughter, who was selling mahamri (one piece for 5 Ksh), informed us he wasn’t available.

The youngest daughter of Mzee wa Nyumba Kumi then directed us to Mr. Davis, the elder’s son and the manager of St. Imani Primary School. We found Mr. Davis in a meeting with teachers. He welcomed us and offered us seats in front of two classrooms still under construction but already occupied by eager learners. Around the compound, we saw a cut baobab tree and several unfinished classrooms lacking windows, with students sitting on wooden planks supported by stones.

Remembering my last visit to this village, the residents were initially happy about selling the baobabs. They did not regret selling the trees as they were promised many benefits by the purchasing company. When I asked Mr. Davis about the situation, his demeanor changed abruptly. He told us that the company never kept their promises.

In August 2022, visitors referred from Tanzania to a man named Yusuf in Kilifi sought to buy the oldest and healthiest baobab trees in the village. With a few already purchased in Tanzania, they heard Kilifi had some of the most renowned baobabs. The buyer, Mr. George, believed to be acting on behalf of the botanical garden in Georgia, assisted by Yusuf, began assessing the trees. After confirming the trees met their needs, they identified eight trees to purchase.

Mr. George and Yusuf negotiated with the farmers, offering at least 100,000 Kenyan shillings per tree and additional benefits. Mr. George promised to provide visas to Georgia for the families to see the trees in their new home, upgrade their living standards by building them new houses, replace the cut trees with a thousand fruit trees, drill a borehole for community use, and build a state-of-the-art school. These promises were too good to resist, so the farmers agreed to sell the trees.

The deal was sealed, and the farmers signed agreements with Mr. George, which stated that he should first meet the promises made before engaging in any activity of uprooting and transporting the trees. Being a cunning person with experience and talent for conning communities, he began to renovate two classrooms at St. Imani Primary School (remember, he had promised to build a state-of-the-art school for the community). Mr. George now convinced the farmers and the community that, because he had already started fulfilling his promises, they should allow him to uproot the trees so that when he was done with constructing the classes, he would be ready to transport the trees. Therefore, they allowed him to construct the classes and start uprooting the trees simultaneously. The farmers agreed, and the baobabs were uprooted one after the other, an activity that only lasted one month and finished before the first classroom had been constructed.

The baobabs had been uprooted in eight different places, and they were being treated to avoid wilting. Mr. George further convinced the farmers that for him to have an easy task treating them, the trees were to be assembled in one location, which meant transporting the trees from the village to the mini harbor. The farmers again fell for this; the first baobab, nicknamed Tenzo 1, was transported to Bofa. This led to public outcry and resistance from environmental activists. A court order was issued, and the transportation of the remaining seven was halted. After two weeks of investigation, it was noted that the firm had been given permission from NEMA, Kenya Forest, County Government and all the relevant government agencies. The court had no choice but to lift the ban they had issued.

The other seven baobabs were then transported with the help of police in uniform controlling the traffic on the road, a distance of 69 kilometers. It did not take long before the baobab trees were shipped to Georgia by a company known as Seaweed. The farmers were convinced that after the trees had been transported, money would hit their accounts immediately. They were wrong; it took another court order to force Mr. George to pay the farmers. The workers who were working at the school stopped working due to a lack of building materials and their salaries

As of now, the community has heard nothing from Mr. George, and none of his promises have been fulfilled the two classes he was renovating is what they where left with. No houses, boreholes, or schools have been built. Over 400 students are studying in unfinished structures with no windows, doors, or proper seating. Despite these challenges, the students remain dedicated to their education. It was a big pozi scheme with cover up from powerful officials in Kenya. The saddest part is, Mr George reports that he saved the Baobabs from destruction because the government wanted to build a road, therefore the trees where going to be uprooted and destroyed which is a big lie.

As people admire the first uprooted baobab, now nicknamed Tenzo One, rumored to be older than “Jesus”, it’s important to note that the community was deceived into signing contracts that were never honored. A significant piece of their heritage was taken with the help of government officials, leaving the community with no recourse for justice. We call upon international organizations, goodwill citizens, and those who care about preserving heritage and securing a brighter future for communities worldwide to help the residents of Kilifi get justice.

While the world discusses carbon credits, where people can benefit from the trees on their land, there are those who exploit this resource without fulfilling their promises.The only way to help the community is to see St. Imani Primary School build to help the little ones who had hopes of learning in modern classes see there dreams met. You can reach us at onemilliontreeskilifi@gmail.