Application Deadline: 26 May 2026
Young people in Kenya who are passionate about climate action and community leadership now have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the DOT Kenya Climate Champions 2026 program. Supported by Cisco, the initiative is designed to help young leaders develop practical climate knowledge, digital advocacy skills, and community engagement experience while working on real environmental challenges.
The program is being implemented by Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Kenya, an organization known for empowering underserved youth through digital skills, leadership development, and innovation training. Through this initiative, selected Climate Champions will work directly with communities in Nairobi and surrounding areas to promote sustainable environmental practices and youth-led climate solutions.
Unlike many short-term training opportunities, this program combines learning with field experience. Participants will complete a four-week hybrid training program beginning in June 2026, including virtual sessions and in-person learning. After training, Climate Champions will engage community members, lead local climate activities, and help co-design practical solutions using DOT’s Participatory Action Research (PAR) toolkit.
The role is expected to run for three months and offers valuable exposure for young people interested in climate leadership, sustainability, social impact, and community development. Participants will also strengthen important career skills such as communication, leadership, negotiation, digital literacy, and climate advocacy.
Another strong advantage of the program is the opportunity to connect with climate leaders and organizations beyond Kenya. Participants may engage in virtual discussions and collaborative activities with global climate networks while building projects that can strengthen their professional portfolios.
DOT Kenya has clarified that this opportunity is strictly for new applicants only. Anyone who has previously participated in earlier DOT Kenya Cisco Climate Champions cohorts or related projects is not eligible for this intake.
Because interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis during the application period, interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be young people based in Kenya, especially Nairobi and surrounding areas
- Be interested in climate action, sustainability, and community leadership
- Be available for the three-month program duration
- Be ready to complete the four-week hybrid training beginning in June 2026
- Be first-time applicants who have not previously participated in DOT Kenya Cisco Climate Champions programs
You may also like: ALC Associate Fellowship 2026 for African Students (Funding)
Benefits
Selected Climate Champions will receive:
- Monthly stipends
- A certificate upon successful completion
- Access to a global climate network
- Membership in the DOT Alumni network
- Practical climate action experience for career growth
- Training in leadership, communication, negotiation, and digital literacy
- Experience in social media advocacy and community mobilization
- Opportunities to showcase impact at regional and national events
Application
Interested applicants must complete the official application process provided by DOT Kenya. Successful candidates will participate in interviews conducted throughout the application period.
Applicants should carefully complete their forms and ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before submission.
For more details, visit DOT Kenya Climate Champions.
