NAIROBI, Kenya – Dr. Kalua Green, the chairperson of Green Africa and renowned conservationist, has called on the government to invest more in empowering young innovators across the country, emphasizing the need to create a platform that fosters growth, financial independence, and autonomy for Kenya’s youth.
Speaking at the Warriors for Good Awards 2025, an event honoring young people and organizations driving change, Dr. Kalua highlighted the vast potential for innovation within Africa, particularly in Kenya, where the youth continually come up with groundbreaking ideas.
“The youth in Kenya are more inclined towards autonomy than traditional employment. This is an opportunity to harness their ideas and transform the country’s future,” Dr. Kalua stated.
He urged the government to support innovation hubs, which would provide the resources and platforms for young innovators to thrive.
He pointed out that such initiatives require far less investment than grand, multi-billion-dollar solutions often envisioned by policymakers, and could have significant long-term benefits for the economy.
Citing MPESA, the mobile money service that revolutionized financial transactions, Dr. Kalua explained how small ideas, when nurtured and given the right support, can have a global impact.
“MPESA started as a small idea, but through the support of Safaricom, it became a global success. Today, it’s being adapted across the world,” he said.
Dr. Kalua also referenced statistics from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, which show 40% unemployment in the country.
He emphasized that this could be reduced through strategic investments in innovation, particularly in sectors driven by youth-led ideas.
“If the government focuses more on fostering these ideas, we could create jobs, reduce unemployment, and give Kenya a competitive edge globally,” he said.
In addition to calling for more support for youth innovation, Dr. Kalua also challenged the government to rethink its ambitious plan of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
He suggested that the initiative be expanded to include incentives for tree planting and maintenance, providing financial benefits to those involved in nurturing the trees, particularly as a source for carbon credits.
“This could not only help achieve environmental goals but also create new sources of income for the youth,” he added.
At the event, Green Africa was recognized for its contributions to environmental conservation, further solidifying its commitment to fostering sustainable change in Kenya.
