Programs – Paroti – Nonprofit Charity WordPress Theme

Tukuze Shambani

Tukuze Shambani empowers youths with practical agroecological skills while addressing food insecurity in urban informal settlements. By leveraging sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to transform landfill urban spaces in Kenya into vibrant green areas, fostering biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem health. With support from the Rotary International and the EU Global Youth Mobilization grant, we have established model farms in Githurai 44, where we are utilizing vertical garden solutions to produce vegetables to feed the local community, and the surplus is sold in markets for income; and trained youths in agroecology skills.

The program has enabled local youths to generate income, improve household food security, and transform underutilized urban spaces into productive green hubs. Beyond immediate benefits, Tukuze Shambani fosters long-term environmental awareness and youth leadership in climate adaptation. The project also aims to combat underlying beliefs that farming cannot be done in the urban areas and promote participation of young people in the agricultural sector.

Green Campus Caravan

To enhance youth engagement in environmental action, the Policy Action Initiative created the Green Campus Caravan project. Through this project, we aim to train 10,000 youths across universities, colleges and TVETs in Kenya on the national climate policies, the concepts of climate change (including emerging issues like carbon markets, climate mobility and green bonds), our spiritual relationship with the environment, and opportunities that young innovators and policy enthusiasts can leverage upon to create a just and fair green transition.

Trees for Peace

This project aims at empowering young people to become active citizens and peace builders in Kenya through partaking in tree planting activities. This project is vital because the Horn of Africa region is mired in conflicts related to water and cattle rustling, which are escalating as the effects of climate change continue worsening. Aside from equipping youths with peace building skills, it’s also important to reduce tensions by solving one of the key drivers of conflicts in the region. This project will foster sustainable peace.

Keeping The Commitment

This project’s goal is to bridge divides in the community through open communication between all stakeholders. It also helps the parties realize the humanity in them as they get to learn their differences, points of divergence and, thereby, work together towards achieving shared aspirations. Among the themes explored are “Sustainable Development”, “Women’s Role in Advancing Peace and Mediation”, and “Countering Hate Speech and misinformation; An Essential Factor of Peaceful Coexistence in Northern Kenya.”

Policy Debates

At Policy Action Initiative, we periodically hold National Debates bringing together stakeholders from academia, civil society, private sector, government, development partners, and youth to promote the exchange of ideas on sustainable development and governance. In 2024, we organized the Kenya Inter-University Food Security Debate (in collaboration with the Kenya National Farmers' Federation and MSF Eastern Africa) at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, and the Kenya Blue Economy Debate (in collaboration with Ocean Climate Innovation Hub-Kenya) at the Technical University of Mombasa in Mombasa County. In 2025, we jointly held the second edition of the Kenya Inter-University Food Security Debate with the Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF) at Mount Kenya University in Thika (Kiambu County). Through these debates we have engaged more than 800 students from 30 universities and colleges across the country and produced policy briefs that were shared with all relevant stakeholders.

NetSafi

NetSafi combats misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech online. As political dialogue, public debate, and civic participation increasingly take place online, youth face both unprecedented opportunities and risks. NetSafi recognizes that safeguarding democratic processes and public trust requires transparent and accountable online platforms where citizens can access accurate and factual information.

Through NetSafi, we have established Youth Digital Watch Cells in Kilifi, Mombasa, and Tana River counties to equip youth with practical skills in media literacy, fact-checking, ethical digital engagement, and civic awareness. Participants engage in workshops, simulations, and peer-led dialogue that strengthen their ability to identify misinformation, promote responsible online behavior, and participate constructively in governance conversations. With support from Internews, the project has facilitated collaboration between local youth and Ajira Youth Empowerment Centers to build transparency and accountability in digital spaces.