40. Climate change: Droughts and floods are two common disasters that are associated with extreme climate events in Kenya. This is a global problem where Kenya is not an exemption in experiencing extreme weather conditions. This affects youth who depend on Agriculture and other weather-related activities as a means of livelihood. The state needs to develop mitigation interventions.

Kenya has become prone to climate change effects and disasters such as floods, droughts and other shocks that require interventions by the youth in every stage including prevention, management or recovery. The government commits to take leadership in creating partnerships and networks, including the youth, to scale up and strengthen environmental management programmes in the country. 144. The government with support from stakeholders shall put in place the following measures: (i) Promoting mechanisms that support youth engagement in the development, protection, conservation of the natural resources and environment while engaging in eco- entrepreneurship and green jobs. (ii) Sensitizing youth at various levels to participate in management, protection and conservation of the environment. This will include youth in various levels of institutions of learning, out of school youth and at the workplace. Operationalizing environmental clubs in all institutions will also serve to achieve this goal. The youth will also be empowered to play an active role as environmental ambassadors across the country. (iii) Building capacity of youth on green processes and technology, waste management and general environmental conservation and management. This will involve training and sensitization of youth both at the individual and group levels on ways of collecting and managing waste to employ technologies to convert waste for useful gain for employment and wealth creation. It will also involve building their capacity to take advantage of the blue economy as a way of livelihood as they conserve the environment. (iv) Supporting high potential value chains in green energy, waste management and alternative prudent natural resources utilization. This measure will entail putting in place mechanisms to promote development and investment in alternative forms of energy such as solar and wind to minimize over-reliance on the natural environment as a source of energy. (v) Enhancing capacity building of the youth on disaster management to participate in awareness creation, prevention, management and recovery. The government will put in place measures to sensitize youth on potential disasters due to poor or lack of proper environmental management. With this kind of awareness, the youth will be better informed to take cautionary and preventive measures to avert environmental degradation.

Promote the participation of the youth in climate smart agriculture as a viable career opportunity for the youth and as an economic and business option.

3.8.9 Youth in emergency situations 82. The needs of youth intensify in humanitarian and fragile settings from burdens related to: malnutrition; disability; unintentional injury; violence; sexual and reproductive health needs (e.g. early pregnancy, HIV and other STIs, and unsafe abortion); water, sanitation and related health needs and mental health, displacement, discontinued education and child labour. The Policy advocates for targeted interventions for youth in emergency response plans.