September 12, 2024 – Nairobi, Kenya
President William Ruto officially launched the Climate Resilience Service Program (CRSP) in Nairobi, a landmark initiative aimed at tackling the effects of climate change while creating employment opportunities for youth across the country.
The program, which will employ 200,000 young Kenyans, focuses on climate-related activities such as afforestation, water conservation, and waste management.
During the launch, President Ruto emphasized the urgent need to address climate challenges in Kenya, particularly in counties prone to environmental degradation.
He stated, “This program is a critical part of our commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. The climate crisis is real, and through CRSP, we are offering a tangible solution that protects our environment and provides jobs to our young people.”
The CRSP will be rolled out across 47 counties, with Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru among the first to benefit. These counties have been identified as some of the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts, including droughts, floods, and soil erosion.
CRSP Program Overview
The CRSP is designed to build climate resilience by engaging youth in activities such as tree planting, soil conservation, and water resource management.
According to President Ruto, the program will play a significant role in rehabilitating degraded land and reducing the risk of climate-induced disasters like flooding and drought.
The program will offer participants training in various climate resilience techniques, equipping them with skills that can lead to long-term employment in the environmental sector.
Additionally, it is expected to contribute to reducing youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in Kenya.
How to Apply for CRSP
Applications for the CRSP are open to all Kenyans between the ages of 18 and 35.
Interested candidates can apply through the official website crsp.go.ke. You will be required to fill out an online form detailing your personal information and areas of interest in climate action.
No application fees are required, and successful applicants will undergo a brief selection process.
Target Counties and Requirements
Counties that have been hardest hit by climate change are the primary targets of the CRSP. Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu will be the first to receive funding and launch climate resilience projects, before expanding to all 47 counties.
To qualify for the CRSP, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The program targets youth aged between 18 and 35 years.
No formal education is required, but applicants should have basic literacy skills.
Priority will be given to residents of the counties most affected by climate change.
Applicants should be ready to engage in climate action activities such as tree planting, soil conservation, and environmental protection.
CRSP Commencement Program
The Climate Resilience Service Program is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2024. The initial phase will see participants trained in various climate resilience techniques, after which they will be deployed across Kenya to work on different environmental projects.
This program is part of a larger governmental strategy to tackle the effects of climate change and create sustainable solutions.
Government Commitment to Climate Action
President Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives, including CRSP. “We are determined to make Kenya a model of climate resilience. Our youth will be at the forefront of this transformation,” he said.
The launch of the CRSP comes as part of the government’s broader plan to integrate climate resilience into its development agenda, aligning with global climate goals. The program is expected to reduce the adverse effects of climate change while contributing to economic growth through job creation and environmental restoration.