The government has been urged to prioritise investment in youth innovation and create platforms that foster growth and financial independence among young people. Green Africa Chairperson and conservationist Dr. Isaac Kalua Green made the call during the Warriors for Good Awards 2025, an event that celebrated outstanding contributions to innovation and societal change.
Dr. Kalua highlighted that Africa, and Kenya in particular, is rich with opportunities driven by young innovators who are reshaping the country’s future. He stressed the need for increased investment in innovation hubs, noting that today’s youth are more inclined toward financial autonomy than traditional employment models.
Citing the global success of Safaricom’s MPESA, which began as a small idea in 2007 and has revolutionised mobile money worldwide, Dr. Kalua emphasised the importance of nurturing local innovations. He pointed out that early recognition and support can propel local ideas to international heights, ultimately transforming the nation’s economy.
He further warned that Kenya’s high youth unemployment rate, currently at 40 per cent according to the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, underscores the urgency of supporting youth-led innovations. Dr. Kalua urged the government to shift focus from grand, high-cost projects to smaller, youth-driven ideas that require minimal investment but have the potential for significant economic impact.
“Supporting youth innovation is not just about solving unemployment; it’s about positioning Kenya competitively on the global stage,” he said.
Beyond innovation, Dr. Kalua also challenged the government’s approach to its ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. He proposed the introduction of incentives for individuals who plant and nurture trees, suggesting that tree planting could be transformed into a viable economic opportunity through the carbon credit market.
During the event, Green Africa was also honoured for its impactful contributions to environmental conservation, further reinforcing the link between sustainable development and youth empowerment.
Dr. Kalua’s remarks underscored a growing consensus that youth innovation holds the key to unlocking Kenya’s economic future, and that a shift in government policy could accelerate this transformation.
