Tigania West MP John Kanyuithia Mutunga Urges Youth to Lead Climate Action and Embrace Agriculture as Kenya’s Economic Backbone
By Gedion Nzyoki -
Tigania West Member of Parliament, Hon. John Kanyuithia Mutunga, poses for a photo with members of the Wazalendo Movement Africa. Photo: Hon. John Kanyuithia Mutunga (Facebook).
- Tigania West MP John Kanyuithia Mutunga has urged young people to actively engage in climate action and national development, saying they are key to Kenya’s future
- The lawmaker encouraged the youth to embrace modern agriculture as a driver of economic growth
- He also called for their greater involvement in policymaking and the adoption of climate-smart solutions
NAIROBI, Kenya | April 25, 2026 — Tigania West Member of Parliament John Kanyuithia Mutunga has called on Kenyan youth to take a leading role in climate action and national development, urging them to embrace agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Speaking on Saturday afternoon during a youth engagement forum organized by the Wazalendo Movement Africa at the iconic Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the lawmaker who also chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock—emphasised the urgency of collective action to address climate change and unlock opportunities within the agricultural sector.
He described the youth as leaders of today, dismissing the notion that leadership is reserved for the future, and challenged them to actively participate in decision-making processes across the country.
“The future of this country is already in your hands. Youth should never see themselves as passive observers. You must take initiative and become active nation-builders,” Mutunga said.
The legislator underscored Kenya’s youthful demographic as a critical asset, noting that a significant proportion of the population is made up of young people. He argued that this reality demands greater youth inclusion in governance, policymaking, and economic activities.
“You cannot talk about Kenya’s future without considering its youth. They must participate more broadly in shaping decisions that affect the country,” he stated.
He further encouraged young people to seize opportunities in agriculture, describing it as the backbone of Kenya’s economy. According to the legislator, the sector supports the majority of livelihoods, contributes significantly to employment, and remains a major source of foreign exchange earnings.
“Agriculture is something I deeply understand, having studied and practiced it for many years. You cannot talk about Kenya without talking about agriculture. It is the backbone of our economy. A majority of the population depends on it, and it contributes significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings,” Mutunga stated.
Drawing from his background in agricultural studies and practice, Mutunga challenged the long-held perception that agriculture is a fallback option for those who fail in other fields.
“There is also a misconception that agriculture equals farming on large land. That is not true. Agriculture is a broad sector, and there is dignity in it. Around the world, farmers are among the most respected people because they feed nations,” he added.
Mutunga pointed out that innovative agricultural practices and access to government-backed financing initiatives have made it easier for youth to venture into agribusiness without requiring large tracts of land.
The MP warned that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality affecting all sectors, particularly agriculture. He cited recent experiences such as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, floods, and pest invasions as evidence of worsening environmental conditions.
Mutunga explained that while agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through certain practices, it also holds significant potential as a solution through climate-smart approaches. He called for the adoption of sustainable farming techniques that preserve soil health, reduce emissions, and enhance productivity.
Call for Innovation and Policy Engagement
The legislator urged youth to integrate modern technologies such as ICT and mechanization into agriculture to improve efficiency and output. He also encouraged them to actively engage in governance processes, including contributing to policy discussions and legislative frameworks.
“Leadership is about responsibility, not position. Young people must step forward, engage, and contribute to shaping policies that reflect current realities,” he said.
The Tigania West MP commended the Wazalendo Movement Africa for fostering a platform that brings together young people committed to environmental conservation and social impact. He described the initiative as a growing force with the potential to expand across Africa and beyond.
“Great things start small. Great things start simple. What you are doing has the potential to grow into one of the most impactful movements, not only in this country but across Africa and the world,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Mutunga urged young people to remain proactive, innovative, and committed to tackling climate change while driving economic transformation through agriculture.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, who was among the chief guests at the Kenya Youth Delegate Convention, commended the Wazalendo Movement Africa for providing what he described as a strong platform for youth engagement, innovation, and national dialogue.
Speaking during the event, Jacobs said the initiative was instrumental in bringing together young people to share ideas, showcase innovation, and contribute to shaping Kenya’s future.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), labour mobility programmes, entrepreneurship support, access to government procurement opportunities, and the NYOTA Programme.
The PS further urged young people to embrace unity, self-belief, and mutual support, calling on them to respond to what he termed a collective call of patriotism.
He also encouraged the youth to take a leading role in advancing climate justice, climate resilience, sustainable development, environmental protection, and innovation-driven solutions aimed at securing the future for generations to come.
The event was also graced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Multimedia University of Kenya, Prof. Eng. Livingstone Ngoo.
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