1. Evidence generation intervention

This project is premised on continuous evidence generation, analysis and application so that all actions are done from an informed point of view. The main evidences produced include;

• Crawn Trust led a survey in Nairobi, Kwale, and Isiolo to understand young people's (16-35 years) views on climate change, natural resources, and environmental issues. The research aimed to gather insights to guide policy discussions and decisions on environmental protection and climate change adaptation. Each county was chosen for its unique ecological and cultural context, ensuring a broad understanding of community perspectives. The findings can be accessed here
• Barnfonden led case studies on natural resource use, waste management, and circular economy initiatives in informal settlements and ASAL areas in Kenya. To support advocacy and awareness efforts, the project documented three case studies using primary data. The case studies can be found here
• OAY conducted a survey to understand specific environmental issues affecting young urban women. The surveys, together with the participatory research and the case studies informed sensitization of over 130 young women leaders in Nairobi. The survey can be accessed here while the outcome of the young urban women sensitization forums can be found here

2. Capacity strengthening and mentorship of youth led organizations and micro-enterprises - intervention

OAY is enhancing the capacity of 30+ youth-led organisations, student environmental clubs, and 15 climate-focused micro-enterprises through a Training of Trainers model. Key activities include:

• Advocacy Training and Mentorship – Ongoing training of 30 youth advocacy agencies in waste management advocacy and leadership to empower grassroots organisations, waste collectors, and campus environmental clubs.
• Green Skills & Entrepreneurship Programme – OAY is supporting 15 youth-owned micro-enterprises in circular economy sectors like waste management, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy. The initiative promotes green job opportunities through innovative, sustainable technologies.
• Empowering Youth Enterprises – Key activities include developing a training guide, training youth in urban waste management, peer-to-peer learning, and community dialogues to advocate for better business environments in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

3. Policy Advocacy Engagements

Real impact starts with people who have the knowledge and skills to make a difference. Through the project, we intend to influence and impact policy and decision making processes. Ultimately, the youth leaders and youth organizations will have increased influence on policy makers on climate change adaptation and environmental risk management through evidence-based engagement on policy dialogue at community, county, national and international levels. Our policy advocacy is narrowed on 5 key issues namely;

1. Advocating for increased financial, technical and in-kind support to youth led/centric initiatives and institutional capacities of their agencies
2. Advocating for improved meaningful youth engagement and participation in climate and environmental conservation policy and programs development and implementation at national and county levels
3. Advocating for increased legal and protected garbage collection points coupled with inconsistencies and enforcement in garbage collection
4. Advocating for improvement in structured mechanisms and platforms to support collaborative community level climate action awareness and initiatives among public and private institutions and youth and women led initiatives/organizations at Sub County and Ward levels
5. Advocating for responsive and accountable Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) Regulations characterised by partnership opportunities between producers and youth initiatives to help achieve environmental goals

Our advocacy efforts are driven through Youth Climate Policy Advocacy Leadership Development approach, delivered through two strategies; cascaded training of Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) and Youth led thought leadership - Kenya Climate Youth Advisory Council.

Through the TOT model, OAY has brought on board six well-trained Trainers of Trainers (TOTs), whose role is to equip CSOs, CBOs, and waste management groups with practical solutions for tackling climate change and waste management. These trainers don’t just teach—they mentor, guide, and empower. They’re ensuring that communities have the tools to not only understand the challenges but also take the lead in solving them. Their focus? Sustainable waste management, climate resilience, and effective advocacy. By strengthening the capacity of local organizations, the project is laying the foundation for real, lasting change—one that is community-driven, solution-oriented, and built to last. Below is the profile of the TOT Team