Kenyan pupil amplifies children's voice at COP29

Alana Chelangat. [Courtesy]

At just 12 years old, Alana Chelangat is changing the narrative on climate action.

The young learner from Sun and Shield School Kabarak in Nakuru is attending COP29 in Baku with a clear message: children must be at the centre of climate discussions.

Chelangat is no stranger to international platforms.

Last year, at COP28, she was a keynote speaker at Symphony of the Future: Children’s Vision of Climate Action, an event organized by the Child Fund Alliance and Youth Resilience Lab. Standing alongside 20 children from climate-vulnerable communities, she shared recommendations to policymakers.

“That moment was transformative,” Chelangat said. “I realized how powerful our voices can be when given a platform.”

Now in Baku, the Grade 7 pupil is continuing to push for solutions. Her focus is on amplifying the perspectives of children from Africa, where climate change is taking a heavy toll.

Chelangat points out that more than 1.7 million children in Kenya alone need urgent assistance due to extreme weather events. Droughts, floods, and storms disrupt lives, schools, and access to healthcare.

“We are seeing kids lose their childhoods because of disasters. It’s not just numbers—it’s lives,” she explained.

Climate Gumzo

The effects go beyond immediate damage. Rising temperatures and unstable weather patterns are enabling the spread of diseases like malaria and cholera, which disproportionately affect children. “That’s why I’m here,” she said. “To ensure solutions consider children’s realities.”

Chelangat’s presence at COP29 is both a learning opportunity and a platform to share ideas. Through her podcast, Climate Gumzo with Alana, she simplifies complex climate topics for young audiences.

“Kids need to understand what’s happening to our planet,” she said. “When they understand, they can act.” She has a tree nursery with more than 20,000 trees.

Her podcast is gaining traction. Experts from different fields join her to discuss everything from renewable energy to disaster resilience.

At COP29, Chelangat hopes to gather insights on innovative adaptation strategies. She plans to bring these lessons back to local communities, where youth engagement is key.

“Adaptation isn’t just about governments. It’s about empowering young people to take action in their own spaces,” she explained.

Chelangat’s work extends beyond her podcast. She’s a Young Advisor for the Youth Climate Justice Project, where she collaborates with young leaders worldwide. Together, they are shaping research on children’s roles in climate advocacy.

This collaboration was evident in her COP28 experiences. At one session, children presented drawings and photos illustrating their vision for climate resilience. Policymakers took notice.

“We showed them what hope looks like through our eyes,” Chelangat recalls. “It’s different when leaders hear directly from kids.”

She believes decision-makers need to engage young voices at every stage, not just as an afterthought. “Children aren’t just victims of climate change. We’re problem solvers,” she said.

Despite her busy schedule, Chelangat remains a regular schoolgirl. She loves reading and fashion design, hobbies that offer her a creative escape from climate work.

Her recent book, Alana’s Magical Adventure at Mazingira Park, blends storytelling with environmental education. During COP29, she’s hosting a book signing to connect with other young readers.

Her practical advice resonates. She explains simple actions like planting trees, conserving water and raising awareness among peers.

“Change starts small,” she explained. “But together, we can create something big.”

Chelangat is determined to keep the momentum going. Through her podcast, book, and advocacy work, she’s making climate conversations accessible to young audiences worldwide.

As she wraps up another day in Baku, Chelangat reflects on her journey so far. “COP29 isn’t just a conference,” she said. “It’s a chance to shape the future.”

Chelangat’s father, Njoroge Nduati, beams with pride as he watches his 12-year-old daughter address climate leaders and advocates at COP29.  

“I’m here to support her, learn from her, and remind her that while climate change is a complex and daunting challenge, change is possible,” he said.