Strathmore University was abuzz with climate action fervor as Ambassador Esther Waringa, President of Public Service Governance and a Presidential candidate in Kenya, delivered a stirring keynote address during the institution’s World Environment Day commemorations.
The event, organized by the International Relations Students Association of Kenya (IRSAK), Strathmore Environmental Sustainability Community (SESC), and Zingira Organization, brought together students, environmentalists, and civic leaders under the global 2025 theme: “Youth in Action: Sustainable Solutions for a Healthier Planet.”
In her impassioned speech, Ambassador Waringa emphasized the urgency of collective environmental action, reminding the audience that “nature is not something separate from us — we are part of it.” She warned of the visible and escalating threats posed by climate change, including rising temperatures, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss.“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here. And it is urgent,” she declared.
Ambassador Waringa praised Kenya’s ongoing environmental efforts, citing the expansion of conservation areas, investment in renewable energy, and enforcement of anti-pollution regulations.
However, she stressed that transformative change demands unity and accountability across sectors, urging citizens to take individual action, no matter how small.“To our farmers: embrace methods that nourish the land. To our industries: innovate with responsibility. To our students: keep raising your voices for climate justice,” she said, challenging every Kenyan to participate in climate solutions.
Youth at the Heart of ChangeFocusing on the role of youth, Waringa commended the younger generation as the engine behind many sustainable innovations and grassroots movements.“As youth, we are not just inheriting the world—we are taking the lead in reshaping it,” she said. “We are the present—and we have the power to drive change today.”
She cited examples of youth-led initiatives in clean energy, circular economies, and sustainable urban design, calling for greater collaboration to scale these efforts.Governance as a Catalyst for SustainabilityShifting her focus to policy, Ambassador Waringa highlighted the critical role of governance and public service in advancing sustainable environmental policies.
She outlined a multi-pronged approach for governments to drive meaningful change, including:Strong and enforceable environmental legislationInvestment in institutional capacity and public sector trainingIntegration of environmental goals into national budgetsTransparency and accountability in environmental governanceInclusive public participation in decision-making“Governance sets the tone for environmental responsibility,” she said. “It is only when we align our laws, budgets, institutions, and values with the goals of environmental stewardship that we can achieve real and lasting change.”
The event closed with a resounding call to action for unity, innovation, and environmental leadership.“Let’s lead by example, inspire others, and ensure that the future we create is one where people, nature, and the planet can thrive together,” she concluded.
As Kenya continues to navigate the path toward sustainability, voices like Ambassador Waringa’s are galvanizing the public—particularly the youth—to take ownership of the planet’s future.
