By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
Most young people in Bungoma County have little or no understanding of climate justice, despite facing the daily realities of climate change — from floods and soil erosion to deforestation and erratic rainfall.
A new baseline study by the officials from the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA) reveals that only 27 percent of youth in the county have a clear grasp of climate justice concepts. The report warns that without targeted awareness and inclusion, young people risk being sidelined in policies that directly affect their environment and livelihoods.
The study, conducted with support from the Youth Climate Justice Fund, assessed youth awareness, participation, and barriers to involvement in climate action across Webuye East, Mount Elgon, and Cheptais sub-counties.
“Climate justice awareness among the youth was generally low, with only 27.6 percent showing high awareness, 46.1 percent moderate to low, and 26.3 percent no awareness,” the report states.
Respondents in Mount Elgon (44%) and Cheptais (47%) identified floods and heavy rainfall as the main climate impacts, while Webuye East (46%) pointed to deforestation as the biggest threat. “The youth are aware of changing weather patterns but less informed about how these link to social and economic inequalities,” ~ Report
The assessment surveyed 1,143 youth aged 18 to 35 using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Lands. Ethical protocols such as informed consent and confidentiality were observed, with research clearance from the Office of the County Commissioner.
While general awareness of climate change was moderate, understanding of its justice dimensions — how environmental issues intersect with social and economic inequality — was minimal.
Respondents in Mount Elgon (44%) and Cheptais (47%) identified floods and heavy rainfall as the main climate impacts, while Webuye East (46%) pointed to deforestation as the biggest threat. “The youth are aware of changing weather patterns but less informed about how these link to social and economic inequalities,” the report notes.
Low participation in climate action
The study found youth participation in climate action to be “very low.” Out of all respondents, only 87 youth (7.6%) reported taking part in environmental initiatives such as tree planting, clean-up drives, or awareness campaigns.
“In all the sub-counties, youth participation in climate activities was low,” the report says, attributing this to financial constraints, limited access to land, and exclusion from policymaking.
Most youth initiatives were described as small-scale and unsustainable, with few supported through formal funding channels. In Webuye East, urban proximity and exposure to NGOs gave some young people access to climate-related programmes, unlike Mount Elgon and Cheptais, where poverty and limited participation forums persist.
The report highlights several barriers limiting youth involvement in climate justice: lack of financial resources, limited land access, low awareness, cultural restrictions, and gender bias.
In Cheptais, traditional land ownership patterns largely exclude young people from accessing land for tree planting or conservation. “Youth rarely own land, and this limits their ability to engage in climate mitigation efforts,” the report observes.
Gender norms were also found to restrict participation, especially for young women. “In Mount Elgon, women are barely involved in environmental initiatives due to social expectations and traditional roles,” it notes.
Governance gaps further compound the problem, with “youth rarely included in policy and decision-making processes on environmental management.”
Emerging opportunities
Despite these challenges, the report identifies opportunities for greater youth engagement. These include leveraging national tree-planting campaigns, NGO partnerships, and community-based organizations.
Researchers identified 22 youth-led environmental initiatives , 10 in Webuye East and 12 in Mount Elgon focusing on activities like tree nurseries, waste recycling, and public sensitization. None were recorded in Cheptais.
Webuye East recorded the highest awareness of climate justice at 30.8 percent, linked to its urban proximity and digital connectivity. However, the report cautions that “budgetary and financial shortcomings strongly negate this opportunity.”
The report calls for deliberate efforts to mainstream climate justice education through schools, social media, and community radio to improve understanding and link environmental issues with social equity.
It also recommends establishing county-level climate action funds accessible to youth groups and adopting youth-friendly land tenure policies to address ownership barriers.
YILAA further proposes forming a Bungoma County Youth Climate Action Network to connect young activists and enhance collaboration across sub-counties. The organization also suggests follow-up assessments every two to three years to monitor progress and inform policy interventions.
The baseline report, which has since been launched, aims to “disseminate findings, spark dialogue, and mobilize stakeholders to act on the evidence.”
“The findings provide a foundation for policy advocacy, resource mobilization, and capacity-building interventions that can empower youth to take a more active role in sustainable development,” it concludes.
It adds that Bungoma County has an untapped opportunity to meaningfully involve its youth in climate action.
“By implementing these recommendations, Bungoma County can unlock the potential of its youth to become active, informed, and influential actors in advancing climate justice and sustainable development,” the report states.
