Climate WorX, a government-led programme launched in late 2024, has emerged as a central component of Kenya’s long-term strategy to address environmental degradation while generating employment opportunities across all 47 counties. 

Anchored in the presidency’s climate agenda, the initiative focuses on rehabilitating natural ecosystems—especially urban waterways—while employing thousands of young people and women in meaningful, community-based work. By linking climate restoration to economic development, the programme presents a comprehensive model for sustainable transformation at both local and national levels.

Environmental Rehabilitation and Urban Renewal

The programme’s early implementation in Nairobi County has demonstrated measurable impact. Large-scale cleanups of rivers and riparian areas have resulted in over 80 kilometres of riverbanks being cleared and more than 84 kilometres of blocked channels being decongested. These activities have contributed significantly to flood mitigation and improved water flow, particularly in informal settlements. 

Key urban infrastructure, such as drainage systems and sewer lines, has also been rehabilitated. Illegal structures built along riparian zones have been dismantled, enabling a healthier and more resilient urban ecosystem.

Complementing physical restoration efforts, the establishment of tree nurseries near critical forests—including the Ngong Forest area—has helped support Kenya’s reforestation ambitions. The nurseries produce thousands of seedlings daily, contributing to the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. These green buffers serve as natural flood defenses while also improving urban air quality and biodiversity.

Job Creation and Youth Empowerment

Climate WorX is not only an environmental project but a labour-intensive social investment. It currently employs more than 21,000 youth in Nairobi alone, who are paid approximately KSh 500 per day for their work. Employment is rotational, typically structured as two weeks of work followed by two weeks of rest, ensuring that more young people can benefit from the programme’s reach.

The work undertaken ranges from de-silting rivers and managing solid waste to urban beautification, tree planting, and light infrastructure support. In addition to wages, participants receive life skills training and support services to help transition into formal jobs, further education, or entrepreneurship. Many have reported newfound financial independence and a stronger sense of community belonging and personal purpose.

Expansion and National Goals

The government intends to scale Climate WorX to all counties, aiming to create up to 200,000 temporary jobs for youth countrywide. Recruitment and deployment to counties such as Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret are already underway. The programme’s decentralised design allows county governments to tailor activities to their local environmental needs, be it coastal restoration, wetland protection, or agricultural conservation.

Beyond employment and restoration, Climate WorX is positioning itself as a central vehicle in Kenya’s climate adaptation and mitigation roadmap. By embedding sustainability into local development, it fosters long-term resilience against climate shocks while embedding environmental stewardship into the national psyche.

Operational Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite early success, the programme faces logistical and policy-related challenges. Participants have noted shortages in basic tools, protective gear, and waste management support. Additionally, recurring illegal dumping and unregulated development along riparian zones threaten to undo progress unless strict enforcement mechanisms are adopted.

Experts argue that for Climate WorX to remain effective, it must be integrated into broader county development plans, receive continuous funding, and ensure consistent monitoring and evaluation. Public engagement and transparency will be key to its durability, as will local ownership and community participation.

Conclusion

Climate WorX represents a transformative approach to environmental governance and socio-economic inclusion. By combining ecological restoration with employment and skills development, it is setting a new precedent for how climate policy can deliver tangible benefits to citizens. As it continues to expand, its legacy will depend on sustained political will, community support, and a shared commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage.