Applications are now open for National LCOY Kenya 2026, Kenya’s official youth-led climate dialogue platform recognized by YOUNGO, the official Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference will bring together young climate leaders from across Kenya to shape the Kenya National Youth Climate Statement, which will inform national climate policy and contribute to the Global Youth Statement ahead of COP31.
Co-hosted by the Organization of African Youth Kenya, the Kenya Youth Climate Advisory Council, and MuemAction Post, the National LCOY provides a unique opportunity for young people to influence climate decision-making while strengthening youth participation in national and global climate governance.
About National LCOY Kenya 2026
The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is an annual youth-led consultation process that enables young people to identify climate priorities, discuss environmental challenges, and develop evidence-based policy recommendations. As an officially endorsed YOUNGO initiative, LCOY serves as the primary pathway for youth perspectives to feed into international UN climate negotiations.
For the 2026 edition, regional consultations have already gathered youth perspectives from across Kenya. These contributions will be consolidated and refined during the National LCOY to produce the final Kenya National Youth Climate Statement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented before submission to policymakers and the UN climate process.
The conference will take place on 23–24 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Who Should Apply?
The organizers are inviting applications from young people aged 18–35 years who are living, studying, working, or actively engaged in climate action within Kenya.
The conference welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Climate activists and environmental volunteers
- Students and young professionals
- Researchers and innovators
- Community leaders
- Youth-led organizations
- Government and private sector representatives
- Gender and youth development practitioners
The organizers strongly encourage applications from young women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous and marginalized communities, and other underrepresented youth whose voices are essential to inclusive climate policy.
Conference Objectives
National LCOY Kenya 2026 seeks to strengthen meaningful youth participation in climate governance by creating a collaborative platform for dialogue, policy development, networking and collective action.
Participants will work together to identify national climate priorities, exchange knowledge and experiences, and formulate practical recommendations that reflect the realities of Kenyan communities. The resulting Youth Climate Statement will contribute directly to national advocacy efforts and international climate negotiations leading to COP31.
The conference also provides an opportunity for young climate leaders to build partnerships across sectors, including civil society, academia, government, community organizations and youth movements.
What Participants Will Contribute
Selected participants will engage in facilitated discussions, thematic working groups and policy drafting sessions during the two-day consultation.
Contributions are expected to focus on areas such as:
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Environmental conservation
- Youth participation in climate governance
- Gender-responsive climate action
- Indigenous and community knowledge
- Sustainable development and green innovation
- Climate justice and equitable policy implementation
Participants will help ensure that Kenya’s youth perspectives are reflected in both national and global climate policy processes.
Selection Process
Participation in National LCOY Kenya 2026 is competitive. Completing the application form does not guarantee selection.
Applications will be assessed based on the applicant’s demonstrated interest in climate action, potential contribution to discussions, diversity of representation and commitment to advancing youth-led climate solutions.
Successful applicants will receive official confirmation via email and/or phone.
Important Financial Information
Applicants traveling from outside Nairobi should note that transportation to Nairobi and accommodation in Nairobi are the responsibility of the participant. During the application process, applicants must confirm that they are able to meet these costs if selected.
The conference organizers will provide participation details and logistical information to successful applicants after the selection process has been completed.
How to Apply Successfully
Applicants should complete the official online application form by providing accurate personal and organizational information, including their sector, county, role, organization and climate engagement experience.
A strong application should clearly explain why participation matters, describe previous or current involvement in climate action, and demonstrate how the applicant intends to contribute to discussions that will shape the Kenya National Youth Climate Statement.
Applicants must also confirm their availability for the full consultation on 23–24 September 2026, provide the required consent regarding documentation and future communications, and certify that the information submitted is accurate.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 9:00 AM East Africa Time (EAT).
Interested young climate leaders are encouraged to apply early, as participation is limited and only shortlisted applicants will receive confirmation from the organizers.
