SMACHS Foundation Launches 82 Climate and Hunger Ambassadors Across Kenya

By Bruno Aero

SMACHS Foundation, a youth-led non-profit organization, has unveiled 82 Youth Ambassadors to lead transformative efforts against hunger and climate change in 46 counties across Kenya.

Launched during a ceremony at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in Nairobi, the initiative seeks to harness the energy, creativity, and innovation of youth aged 18 to 32.

 The ambassadors will champion climate-smart agriculture, mobilize peer action, and drive climate resilience under SMACHS Foundation’s flagship strategy, The 30 Things.

“Young people are not merely victims of climate change and food insecurity—they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and agents of change,” said Ms. Charlene Ruto, Founder and Patron of SMACHS Foundation. “Through their creativity, leadership, and skills, they have the power to transform food production and drive climate action for a sustainable future.”

The program attracted over 1,600 applicants, of whom 82 were selected for their leadership skills, passion for agriculture, and problem-solving abilities. Although designed to recruit 94 ambassadors—10 for each county—some counties had lower applicant turnout, with Lamu County lacking representation.

The ambassadors will work to reverse the underwhelming youth participation in agriculture, which currently stands at less than 30%, despite the sector’s critical role in Kenya’s economy. By introducing digital and mechanized solutions, the initiative seeks to attract young talent to agriculture, unlocking job opportunities for the 800,000 youth entering the workforce annually.

The launch aligns with findings from the 2023 African Youth Needs for Climate Action report by the UNFCCC, which highlighted the eagerness of African youth to collaborate on innovative climate solutions.

The SMACHS Foundation’s bold vision empowers young leaders to transform Kenya’s agricultural landscape, ensuring food security, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth through modern, mechanized farming.