The Smart Mechanized Agriculture and Climate Action for Humanity and Sustainability (SMACHS) Foundation, led by First Daughter Charlene Ruto, has appointed 82 youth ambassadors to champion efforts against hunger and climate change across Kenya. The ambassadors, aged 18 to 32, will take the lead in promoting climate-smart agriculture and mobilising their peers to embrace farming and address climate challenges in 46 counties nationwide.
During the launch event at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi, Charlene Ruto, the founder and patron of the SMACHS Foundation, emphasized the pivotal role that young people play in confronting the pressing issues of food insecurity and climate change. “Young people are not merely victims of climate change and food insecurity; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and agents of change,” said Charlene. “Through their creativity, leadership, and skills, they have the power to transform food production and drive climate action for a sustainable future.”
The ambassadors were selected from over 1,600 applicants for their leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and climate action, problem-solving abilities, and innovative ideas. While the programme initially aimed to recruit 94 ambassadors—10 per county—some regions had fewer applicants, and Lamu county had no submissions.
Despite this, the SMACHS Foundation is optimistic about the impact these young leaders will have in addressing youth participation in agriculture, which remains below 30% according to government statistics. The Foundation believes that modernizing agriculture through digital and mechanized solutions could create significant employment opportunities for the 800,000 young people entering the workforce annually.
This initiative aligns with the 2023 African Youth Needs for Climate Action report by the UNFCCC, which highlights the deep concerns African youth have about climate change and their eagerness to collaborate with governments and organizations to develop innovative solutions.
The SMACHS Foundation, a youth-led non-profit organization, continues to empower a new generation of leaders who are reshaping Kenya’s agricultural landscape, advancing food security, promoting climate resilience, and fostering economic growth through smart mechanized agriculture.