The African Development Bank is charting a new path for Kenya’s young people by supporting the development of green skills and sustainability-focused careers through its partnership with the Green Careers Caravan, an initiative led by Jacob’s Ladder Africa. The collaboration aims to inspire university students to pursue opportunities in the expanding green economy, covering sectors such as renewable energy, climate action, regenerative agriculture, and environmental management—all essential to Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon future.
According to JLA Co-Founder and CEO Stella Bogonko, the initiative links climate action with employment potential, creating meaningful professional pathways while supporting national sustainability goals. The Green Careers Caravan has been traveling to universities across Kenya to host Green Career Days featuring expert mentorship, training sessions, podcasts, and interactive discussions. On 28 October, the Caravan visited the University of Embu, where hundreds of students engaged with specialists from various green economy fields.
In his keynote address, Professor Daniel Mugendi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Embu, emphasized the need to prepare graduates to lead sustainable development by equipping them with relevant skills and a forward-thinking mindset. Students who participated expressed enthusiasm about the new insights and motivation gained from the program. Ian Calvin, studying agricultural extension and education, said the caravan gave young people a platform to envision the job market differently and confidently explore innovative green career paths. Another student, Abigael Sankoi, highlighted how the program has encouraged students to develop ideas, grow them, and build partnerships that turn concepts into viable careers.
The Green Careers Caravan is supported by the African Development Bank in partnership with the State Department for Higher Education and Research, a consortium of public universities, and other stakeholders. Its mission is to raise awareness of green career opportunities and help students acquire or enhance skills aligned with market needs. With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in Kenya and demand increasing for expertise in areas such as carbon markets, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture, JLA reports that 67 percent of students are still unaware of available opportunities in green jobs.
This knowledge gap highlights the importance of ongoing investments by the African Development Bank in Kenya’s education and skills ecosystem. Hendrina Chalwe Doroba, the Bank’s Education and Skills Development Division Manager, noted that initiatives such as the Higher Education, Science, and Technology (HEST) II Program go beyond student financing to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation within universities. She said the Green Careers Caravan aligns with the Bank’s wider interventions in technical and vocational training, STEM education, and industry-relevant learning to ensure graduates are prepared to excel in emerging green sectors.
In its first phase, running from September 2025 to April 2026, the Caravan plans to reach 15 universities across eight regions. It has so far visited the University of Embu, Kisii University, and Taita Taveta University. By 2030, the initiative aims to scale to all 42 public universities in Kenya, positioning young people at the forefront of the nation’s green transformation.
