Policy Action Initiative

What a year 2024 has been!! 🎉 We have hosted debates, workshops in Rwanda and Azerbaijan, published research papers, and expanded our ongoing carbon dioxide removal and agriculture projects. A special thank you to everyone who made it possible. Without your support, we would not have had such a magical year! 🙏

Our last workshop of year 2024 was held in Nairobi this week on Monday Titled: Exploring Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Potential in Kenya: Emerging Technologies and Policy Solutions This was an interactive session where we looked at emerging technologies of CDR with a special focus on marine CDR We had participants from academia, research, policy, media, climate change activists and advocates from both private and public sector This workshop entailed discussions on the feasibility and scalability of application of emerging CDR technologies in Kenya What infrastructure or resources do we have or need and what science to business ideas can CDR technologies provide Can these technologies generate income for youths? This workshop was done in collaboration with Policy Action Initiative. Dr.Mariam Swaleh explained what CDR is and gave us an in-depth understanding of the emerging CDR technologies with a special focus on ocean based CDR Mr Brian Kithinji an expert in Africa Climate Policy, explained to us about existing policies that could support CDR in Kenya and the gaps that should be filled A big thank you to everyone who made this event a success Thank you to Ocean Visions for making this possible through the OCI fellowship And that’s a wrap for 2024 and looking forward to an exciting 2025

I had the honor of being invited by Brian Kithinji of Policy Action Initiative, Mariam Swaleh of Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya to participate in the stakeholder workshop, Exploring Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Potential in Kenya: Emerging Technologies and Policy Solutions, held on December 13, 2024. The workshop focused on the critical role of CDR technologies in combating #Climatechange, particularly in Kenya. As part of this important event, I contributed to a group discussion and presentation on Biochar and its Potential to Fight Climate Change. Biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from organic material through pyrolysis, was highlighted as a sustainable solution for carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. During our discussion, we explored how biochar can be integrated into Kenya’s climate strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and address climate-related challenges. This workshop provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with policymakers, researchers, and experts in climate innovation. We examined actionable steps to advance the adoption of CDR technologies and develop robust policies for a sustainable, net-zero future in Kenya. #ClimateAction #CDR

In the spirit of limiting Global warming to below 1.5℃… Recently participated in an insightful discussion on carbon dioxide removal technologies (CDR) and policies, organized by Policy Action Initiative and Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya. The focus? How Kenya can harness CDR to achieve its climate goals and contribute to global net-zero ambitions. CDR technologies hold immense promise for combating climate change. Its success would require innovation, policy support and public trust. For Kenya, it would mean exploring unique opportunities like marine-based solutions, all while addressing existing policy and technological gaps. Getting the frameworks right is essential. Combining climate action with community development, increased policy and media engagement, and prioritizing meaningful community involvement. Engaging communities in order to address their challenges such as, economic drivers of deforestation and food security will be imperative for successful implementation. And, of course, creating policy incentives that spark investments in research and deployment of CDR technologies in Kenya, would go a long way. Thank you Brian Kithinji and Dr.Mariam Swaleh for inviting me. #NetZero2050 #innovationforclimate #naturebasedsolutions #carboncapture #carbonremoval #negativemissions

Proud Moment for Youth Leadership in Africa! Last month, the Afrikan Youth Business Council (AfYBC), in collaboration with the Policy Action Initiative, hosted a powerful side event at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The event focused on youth-led solutions for Africa’s agrifood systems, a critical area for ensuring food security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent. We were honored to bring together passionate young leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and actionable solutions to reshape the future of agriculture and food systems in Africa. From leveraging technology to addressing systemic challenges, the discussions were forward-thinking, collaborative, and inspiring. This side event was a testament to the transformative power of partnerships and the unwavering determination of Africa’s youth to lead the change we want to see. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a more sustainable and inclusive future. A big thank you to the YouthConnekt Africa, our amazing partners, and all the brilliant minds who joined us. Let’s continue to harness the potential of Africa’s youth to shape resilient agrifood systems that work for everyone! #YouthConnektAfrica #AfrikanYouthBusinessCouncil #PolicyActionInitiative #AgrifoodSystems #YouthLeadership #Innovation #AfricaRising #Sustainability #Partnerships

We participated in the 3-day Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Technology (LETS) Summit organized by Itanya Youth Network, where we adjudicated a debate between students from the University of Nairobi and the Kenya School of Law. The debate focused on Africa's development and whether youth should lead now or diverse groups in society should be empowered. We applauded the students for addressing key issues and shared practical skills to enhance their presentations and idea delivery. Additionally, the event featured sessions facilitated by experienced speakers. It was a great opportunity for young leaders to gain inspiration and promote innovative ideas for societal development. Boniface Harrison Brian Kithinji Bina Maseno Badili Africa Policy Action Initiative Okanda S. Eugine. KIBESCO Kenya

With support from Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya, we co-hosted a multi-stakeholder Workshop to train participants from on "Exploring Carbon Dioxide Removal Potential in Kenya", including emerging technologies and policy gaps. Carbon Dioxide Removal is increasingly recognized as a critical tool in achieving global climate targets, including limiting warming to below 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. These methods include: • Direct air capture • Coastal carbon enhancement • Artificial uptowering • Ocean alkalinity enhancement • Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) CDR technologies are most likely to affect the agriculture, marine, mining, energy, and transport sectors in Kenya. We look forward to developing adequate policy frameworks that can support CDR implementation in Kenya in the coming year. #LetsTalkCDR

Across Africa, including Kenya, there is a growing concern over the erosion of democratic norms. Public frustration with unfulfilled social priorities continue to fuel political turbulence and instability. Yet amidst these challenges, recent political events have enhanced educational opportunities creating a better informed citizenry. Social movements are gaining momentum as Kenyans demand ethical governance and accountability from their leaders. At the #LETSSummit2024, we had; ✅ Dennis Nthumbi - Governance Advocate and Clergy ✅ Joe Luchiri - Founder of KIBESCO Kenya and visionary leader ✅ Okanda S. Eugine. - Kenya UN youth Delegate and founder of Unlock Your Leadership ✅ Tali Israel Tali - Executive director of Center for Moots & Research - Africa (CMR-Africa) ✅ Bina Maseno - Founder of Badili Africa ✅ Brian Kithinji - Executive Director of Policy Action Initiative Together, they reflected on our collective civic responsibility to engage in political process. The panel explored Kenya's dynamic governance landscape, where democratic backsliding and calls for inclusivity coexist with opportunities for national and civic transformation. The #LETSSummit2024 reminded us that youth bring bring unmatched creativity and innovation to civic engagement. Together, we have the power to shape a more democratic and inclusive future. #Leadershipforsustainability #Itanyayouthnetwork #youthempowerment #GenZleaders Together For Africa (TOFA) AIESEC in Kenya Daphne Kimani KIMANI KEVIN #Africatransformation

Cheers to more collaboration!

I had the honor of being invited by Brian Kithinji of Policy Action Initiative, Mariam Swaleh of Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya to participate in the stakeholder workshop, Exploring Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Potential in Kenya: Emerging Technologies and Policy Solutions, held on December 13, 2024. The workshop focused on the critical role of CDR technologies in combating #Climatechange, particularly in Kenya. As part of this important event, I contributed to a group discussion and presentation on Biochar and its Potential to Fight Climate Change. Biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from organic material through pyrolysis, was highlighted as a sustainable solution for carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. During our discussion, we explored how biochar can be integrated into Kenya’s climate strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and address climate-related challenges. This workshop provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with policymakers, researchers, and experts in climate innovation. We examined actionable steps to advance the adoption of CDR technologies and develop robust policies for a sustainable, net-zero future in Kenya. #ClimateAction #CDR