Leadership Team

Jambo!

We are the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change – Kenya (Kenya Chapter), a group of young Kenyans dedicated to fighting for climate change and for the future of the young people. The Africa Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) was founded in 2006 at the 12th Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Nairobi. Its an umbrella network for African-based youth
organizations, university groups, rural youth groups, schools, and individuals. AYICC aims to develop capacity and build strong partnerships among African youth to undertake action against the impacts of climate change for both present and future generations. 

The network brings together youth organizations, students groups and movements in Africa that work on environmental and sustainable development projects, and who all have a common vision to combat Climate Change. Our key Goals are to ensure the participation of African Youth in the Climate Change debate at the national through international levels, identify and seek support for youth driven Climate Change best practices and appraise the youth awareness and understanding of Climate Change and its impacts.

Over the past few years, the movement has implemented varied projects in various African countries ranging from advocacy projects with students, training, film-making to documenting youth best practices, making of solar powered products, involvement in policy-making processes with the government, research among many others. AYICC currently comprises over 40 country chapters with over 20,000 membership bases of youth and youth-led organizations working on climate change and sustainable development issues across Africa.

Furthermore, AYICC is committed to promoting and inspiring initiatives at the grassroot level. AYICC envisions a united and empowered youth movement across Africa actively participating in shaping decisions and embracing sustainable solutions for a more environmentally friendly and socially equitable future.

This blog is just a tip of what the movement is all about in Kenya. We hope that our work will inspire you to take action in your own country and change the society.
Feel free to drop your comments, and be a guest editor.

Contact your AYICC-Kenya team
ayicckenya@gmail.com / ayicckenya@ayicc.net


LEADERSHIP TEAM

CHRISTINE OGOLA 

NATIONAL COORDINATOR


With a passion for climate change justice, and youth participation, Christine serves as the National Coordinator of African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC), a member of YOUNGO, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Children and Youth constituency. She focuses on promoting meaningful youth engagement and gender inclusion in climate action. 

Christine advocates for inclusive policies, and greater resilience for young people and women, affected by the climate crisis. Her main goal is to empower youth to initiate intergenerational dialogues that integrate adaptation efforts with various aspects such as policies, financing, and access adaptation and mitigation information. As a founding member of the Youth for Sustainable Development, a youth-led community-based organization in Kenya, she created a platform for youth to amplify their voices, influence policies and correct injustices present in their communities, building a greener and safe future for everyone.

Her efforts have earned her global recognition by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) as the Global Livelihoods Impact Award winner, Africa's top 40 under 40 award winner in youth engagement and community development, and a National Youth Volunteer of the Year 2022 for her contribution to youth empowerment and climate justice, making a significant impact in ending poverty in her community. She motivates youth to engage with stakeholders in climate action, and bridges the knowledge gap of local and international processes, fostering dialogue platforms for addressing the climate crisis in Kenya and beyond.

NALWA WALTER

DEPUTY NATIONAL COORDINATOR


In their final year of studying International Relations, Peace, and Security Studies, Nalwa, a dedicated individual has actively engaged in youth leadership initiatives. Their impressive track record includes serving as the President of the Daystar University Students Association and currently holding the prestigious position of Presidential Fellow for Bungoma County. Their primary focus lies in leadership, with a particular emphasis on peacebuilding, community development, and forging meaningful partnerships.

One of their passionate endeavors centers around addressing the pressing issue of climate change through advocacy and practical initiatives, such as the ambitious endeavor of greening arid and semi-arid regions. Recognizing the vital role that young people play in shaping the future of their nation and the world, they are deeply committed to combatting climate change and contributing to a more sustainable future.

EDDAH MWIHAKI 

PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKING COORDINATOR


Eddah Mwihaki is a professional Environmental scientist with an interest in community engagement and advocacy.
She has a BSc. in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Management and Serves as the current Partnerships  and Networking and  coordinator with AYICC.

VELMAH WAMBUI

COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR


Velmah is passionate about environmental conservation, community development, inclusivity and climate change education and advocacy. She's a climate change activist who started her activism after attending the Nairobi Summer School On Climate Justice.
She's an Environmental Studies Resource Conservation graduate at Kenyatta University and serves as the current Communication Coordinator for AYICC KENYA, a member of YOUNGO, volunteer at Mentor Mentee Alliance, also serves as the partnership officer at Agricultural Expertise Center based in Benin.

She believes that to see the change in the society you must be the change first. On her free time she loves to read, skating and learning new skills. 

JOSEPH KISYANG'A

ASSISTANT COMUNICATION COORDINATOR


Joseph Kisyang'a is a freelance Graphics Designer. He's an accomplished creative, and enjoys using his skill to contribute to the advocacy of Climate Change and Climate Justice. He's a self-taught designer and has had the opportunity to work with four major companies in two years of his young career. 
In his free time he likes to read, cycle, and play football.

AYICC Kenya Advisory Board

Chairperson - Clifford Omondi Okwany
Email :cliffmode2006@gmail.com
Vice Chairperson - Belinda Makadia
Email: belindamakadia@gmail.com
Secretary - Fredrick Ouma
Email: fredrickmbima@gmail.com

Members

1. David Kuria: dwainkuria@gmail.com
2. Georgina Chepkonga: cjgeorgina@gmail.com
3. Christine Ogola: christeinogola@gmail.com
4. Prince Papa: omugataya@gmail.com

You can read more about the AYICC on www.ayicc.net 

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