The Ministry of Education, according to Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Inyangala, is taking significant strides to equip the younger generation with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for sustainable development and resilience.
Speaking at Chuka University during the official opening of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, PS Inyangala highlighted the ministry’s comprehensive approach to integrating climate education across various facets of the education system. This includes the education curriculum, teacher training, research, innovation, and community engagements, all aimed at incorporating the science and social dimensions of climate change.
PS Inyangala emphasized the ministry’s commitment to training educators to effectively deliver knowledge and practical skills in climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience.
“Universities and research institutions are at the forefront of climate research, developing innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change,” she stated. “We have adopted a whole-of-government approach to stimulate partnerships between schools, universities, and local communities to implement practical projects that promote environmental conservation and climate resilience.”
The Fourth Cohort of the annual Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice has convened a diverse group of climate justice actors, including civil servants, diplomats, researchers, innovators, civil society members, activists, scholars, community-level activists, youth leaders, and students from over 87 countries across Africa, Latin America, the USA, Europe, and Asia. The international symposium will engage attendees in a two-week intensive training and discussion session.
“It is gratifying to note that the youth are right at the center of this timely discussion, a discussion that focuses on their future in a world grappling with the impact of a climate crisis as well as other geopolitical and socio-economic intricacies,” PS Inyangala remarked.
Acknowledging that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a matter of justice, equity, and human rights, the PS pointed out that the impacts of climate change are being felt most acutely by countries that have contributed the least to the problem, particularly developing nations like Kenya. She also highlighted Kenya’s leadership in climate action both in Africa and globally, despite facing severe effects such as prolonged drought and unpredictable weather patterns.
“Our commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation cannot be overemphasized,” PS Inyangala said, noting the significant milestones Kenya has achieved in this area.
The International Symposium aims to harness the potential of youth voices, innovations, and transformative solutions embedded in emerging technologies to drive change. It serves as an incubator for innovative ideas and interactive experiences that foster a deeper understanding of climate justice and inspire collective action.
Among the notable attendees at the ceremony were Hon. Jacqueline Amongin, Member of Parliament (East Africa Legislative Assembly); Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Sultan Hjiyev; Chuka University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Mutembei; Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) Executive Director, Mithika Mwenda; and former Chuka University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Erastus Njoka.
