NAIROBI, Kenya May 3 – Haron Juma Waswa from Bungoma County and Dorcas Naishorua from Kajiado County are the winners of the Mr & Miss Climate Kenya 2023 held last week.
Michael Kyalo Mutua from Makueni County and Korira Anastasia Tatyana from Kajiado County were the first runners-up in the contest organised by NIBC Creation Media in collaboration with Cullinan Edge, Hivos Organization, Journalists for human rights and Action Aid International Kenya.
Other winners who were listed as second runners up are Muriuli John Ndegwa of Nyandarua County and Joy Cynthia from Nairobi County.
Organisers of the event said it is part of efforts to enhance the national conversation on Climate Change, while bringing more young people on board.
The group’s Planning Committee Chairman Paul Musyimi said the event will help enhance national conversation and young people-led voice in climate change dialogue because Climate change is a significant global challenge that poses a threat to sustainable progress, especially in Kenya.
As a climate-sensitive country with a low adaptive capacity, Kenya experiences high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
This event aims to enhance national conversation on climate change and empower young people aged between 18-35 to take a leading role in addressing the issue.
Musyimi said the competition is open to all Kenyans who are passionate about innovative climate solutions in their localities.
Participants showcased their efforts towards addressing climate change, and the winners of Mr. and Miss Climate Kenya will be rewarded with prizes.
“The event seeks to promote a mindset shift among young people towards climate change and entrust them with the responsibility of climate change advocacy in their communities,” he said.
Mustapha Dumbuya, Regional Team Lead at Journalists for Human Rights said the event is important because young people are not only victims of climate change but could also be contributors to climate action.
“Providing solutions to some of the problems they face, young people have been at the forefront of change and transformation. They’re capable and can take the lead in tackling and addressing the effects of climate change in Kenya and globally,” he said.
The event also provided an opportunity to review the outcomes of COP27 Summit held in Egypt in November 2022.
It highlighted the impact of the global SDG Agenda 13 on other agendas, including Ending Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reducing Inequality.
Ultimately, it creates a Youth-Led Climate Network that will resource young people towards effective climate change solutions.
The Mr. & Miss Climate Kenya event is the first of its kind in the country and aims to open up opportunities for young people to advocate for climate change and drive innovative solutions towards a sustainable future.
The involvement of young people, both in and out of school, will be critical in achieving environmental conservation, and we urge all Kenyans to join this noble cause. For more information, please contact us through.
