Nabongo Sharon from Busia County, who was elected vice chairperson of the Nile Basin Discourse Youth Forum. Faith Matete Young people from across Kenya have been urged to take a leading role in environmental conservation and climate resilience following the launch of the Kenya National Youth Network under the Nile Basin Discourse Forum.
Speaking during the launch, Joseph Ngome, chairman of the Kenya Nile Discourse Forum, said the newly formed network seeks to bring together youths under the age of 35 to actively participate in water conservation, climate action, and regional environmental programmes.
Ngome said the Kenya National Youth Network will represent the country at both national and regional levels under the Nile Basin Discourse, which involves ten countries sharing the Nile Basin resources.
"Today we had an opportunity to bring together youths, both women and men under the age of 35, for this meeting. At the end of the meeting, we established what we now call the Kenya National Youth Network,” he said.
He explained that elected officials will lead the network locally before participating in regional meetings where representatives from member countries will elect leaders for the wider regional structure.
Ngome noted that the youth network will complement existing programmes under the Kenya Nile Discourse Forum, including initiatives on climate change, climate resilience, and environmental conservation.
"We believe development cannot succeed if only adults are involved without the contribution of young people. Youths are future leaders and must be given an opportunity to contribute ideas and take responsibility,” he said.
Gabriel Okola, who was elected Organising Secretary of the Kenya Nile Basin Discourse Youth Forum, thanked members for entrusting the new leadership with the responsibility of representing young people.
Okola said the inclusion of youths in the discourse demonstrates recognition of their role as important stakeholders in shaping the country’s future.
"Water is life, and as young people, we interact with it in many ways through projects and economic activities in our communities. There is a need for us to preserve, conserve, and sustainably manage our water resources,” he said.
He pledged that the newly elected officials would work closely with the forum leadership to ensure the interests of youths are well represented at both national and regional levels.
Also speaking during the event, Nabongo Sharon from Busia County, who was elected vice chairperson of the Nile Basin Discourse Youth Forum, called on more young people and youth groups to join the initiative.
Sharon said the programme, supported by the World Bank and involving ten Nile Basin countries, will help strengthen efforts to conserve water resources, wetlands, and Lake Victoria.
"I want to call upon all youth groups and young people to join the Nile Basin Discourse Forum so that we can work together on this journey. Let us come up with policies that will help safeguard our future and protect one of the largest rivers in the world,” she said.
The leaders said the formation of the youth network marks a major step in ensuring young people actively participate in environmental governance, climate action, and sustainable management of water resources across the Nile Basin region.
