Youth-led Initiatives in Nairobi's Informal Settlements: An Assessment of Climate Action Effectiveness

Youth-led climate action initiatives are increasingly recognised as critical in addressing environmental challenges globally, especially in urban informal settlements where resources and infrastructure are limited. This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews with 30 youth leaders and focus group discussions with community members to gather insights into their climate action initiatives. Youth-led initiatives have demonstrated significant positive impacts on reducing carbon footprints by 25% in targeted areas, though there is a need for more sustainable funding mechanisms. The study highlights the potential of youth engagement in tackling climate change challenges but underscores the necessity for increased support and resource allocation to ensure long-term effectiveness. Investment in capacity building programmes should be prioritised alongside securing stable financial resources to sustain these initiatives. Collaboration between local governments, NGOs, and community leaders is essential for scaling up successful models.