President William Ruto and Climate Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Thursday officially launched the Climate WorX Mtaani initiative, a national program aimed at environmental sustainability and youth engagement.
The initiative, which will initially roll out in Nairobi County, is designed to involve approximately 200,000 young people in climate action, including a 15 billion shilling national tree-planting effort.
The program is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation (BETA) agenda, with plans to expand to other counties across the country.
In his remarks, President Ruto also addressed a pressing environmental issue, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to river pollution.
“Entities responsible for polluting our rivers will face strict accountability,” he stated. He stressed that those who contribute to river pollution, including through raw sewage and solid waste, will be held responsible under the principle of extended producer responsibility. “If you pollute, be prepared to face consequences and contribute to keeping our rivers clean,” he added.
The President’s statements came during the launch of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project, held in Korogocho.
The Climate WorX Mtaani initiative aims to foster environmental stewardship among youth while creating job opportunities and supporting Kenya’s broader climate goals.
The launch event was attended by several key figures, including Principal Secretaries Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration), Teresia Mbaika (Devolution), Charles Hinga (Housing and Urban Development), and UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson.
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