AfDB Backs Green Skills to Boost Kenya’s Youth Workforce
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is boosting Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy by supporting the Green Careers Caravan (GCC), an initiative of Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) aimed at equipping young people with essential green skills.
The partnership seeks to raise awareness among university students about emerging opportunities in sustainability-linked careers, ranging from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture to climate action and environmental management. These sectors are increasingly critical to Kenya’s economic transformation and its efforts to address climate change.
During a recent stop at the University of Embu, 130 km northeast of Nairobi, hundreds of students engaged with experts from the green economy sector through mentorship sessions, training workshops, case studies, and live discussions.
Stella Bogonko, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JLA, said the initiative “opens new pathways for young people to secure meaningful work while driving Kenya’s transition to a green economy”.
University of Embu Vice-Chancellor Professor Daniel Mugendi welcomed the Caravan’s mission, stressing the importance of equipping graduates with the right mix of skills and mindset to lead Kenya’s sustainability journey. Jacob’s Ladder Africa aims to activate 30 million green jobs across Africa by 2033.
For many students, the Caravan has shifted perceptions about their career prospects. “We were given a platform to express what we care about, the job market,” said Ian Calvin, an agricultural extension and education student. “We now know we can innovate and venture into green careers that promote restoration and environmental preservation.”
Another student, Abigael Sankoi, said the Caravan showed her that young people can turn ideas into viable ventures by collaborating with organisations already active in the green space.
According to Bogonko, 67% of Kenyan students remain unaware of green job opportunities despite rising demand for skills in carbon accounting, carbon markets advocacy, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture.
This gap, said Hendrina Chalwe Doroba, Manager for Education and Skills Development at the AfDB, highlights the importance of the Bank’s wider support to Kenya’s education ecosystem.
She noted that the Higher Education, Science, and Technology (HEST) II Programme is enhancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and job-creation capacity within universities. The GCC’s focus on green skills, she added, directly complements AfDB investments in TVET, STEM disciplines, and industry-relevant curricula.
In its first rollout phase, from September 2025 to April 2026, the Green Careers Caravan aims to reach 15 universities across eight regions in Kenya. It has so far visited the University of Embu, Kisii University, and Taita Taveta University. The programme plans to expand its reach to all 42 public universities nationwide by 2030.
