Dabaso Youth for Green Future

Our Story

How Dabaso Youth for Green Future began

Mission

To empower youth through environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable livelihoods, leadership development and community engagement.

Vision

A resilient, empowered and environmental conscious community where young people lead sustainable development.

Core Values

Transparency
Accountability
participation

Our Objectives

The pillars of our work

Objective 01

Promote marine conservation, climate action and sustainable blue economy initiatives.

Objective 02

Restore, conserve and sustainably manage mangrove and other coastal resources.

Objective 03

Strengthen youth entrepreneurship, leadership, skill and capacity.

Objective 04

Promote meaningful youth and community participation in governance, advocacy and policy processes.

Objective 05

Promote gender equality and inclusive participation.

Objective 06

Promote youth health, welbeing and SRHR

Our Leadership

Meet the dedicated team driving our mission forward

Madaraka Katana

Chairperson

Madaraka Katana is the Chairperson of Dabaso Youth for Green Future, a youth-led community-based organization dedicated to environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods along the coast of Kenya. He has led the growth of innovative initiatives in crab farming, mangrove restoration, beekeeping, youth empowerment, and blue economy entrepreneurship. With experience in project coordination, environmental education, and community engagement, Madaraka has worked with local and international partners to empower young people through climate resilience and nature-based solutions. He is passionate about building strong community partnerships that create lasting environmental and socio-economic impact, believing that meaningful change is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and collective action.

Irine Mwarandu

Vice Chairperson

Irine Mwarandu is a self-employed young woman and an Assistant Chairperson of Dabaso Youth for Green Future (DYGF). She has actively contributed to the growth and development of the group since its early stages. Irine participated in the group mangrove nursery and planting activities, which played a key role in generating resources that supported the establishment of the beekeeping project. She has also actively contributed to the implementation of the crab farming, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) projects. Through her leadership and dedication, Irine is committed to ensuring that every young person benefits from the opportunities created through DYGF while contributing to the continued growth and development of the group.

Ashleyna Kazungu

Secretary

Ashleyna Haki Kazungu is a passionate young environmentalist and a marine conservation advocate committed to creating a future where both people and nature can thrive. As Secretary of Dabaso Youths for Green Future, she contributes to youth-led initiatives in mangrove restoration, climate action, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental education. Beyond conservation, Ashleyna advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), with a focus on empowering adolescents and young people with knowledge, confidence, and the ability to make informed decisions about their lives. She believes that healthy communities, empowered young people, and a healthy environment are deeply interconnected—and that meaningful change begins when young people are given the opportunity to lead.

Jackson Nyungu

Vice Secretary

Jackson Nyungu is the Assistant Secretary of Dabaso Youth Group for Green Future and a Civil Engineer committed to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods. He leads the Beekeeping Project, coordinating apiary operations, hive inspections, maintenance, and project planning, while also contributing to mangrove restoration, crab farming, and the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) project. He played a key role in constructing both the apiary and the BSF facility. As a youth leader, Jackson is passionate about empowering young people through innovation, environmental stewardship, and green enterprises. His vision is to inspire youth to become self-reliant, protect natural ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities that improve lives while conserving the environment for future generations.

Neema Nyevu Clement

Treasurer

Neema Nyevu Clement is the Treasurer of Dabaso Youth for Green Future CBO. She is a Statistician and currently serves as a Petition Officer I at the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) under the Executive Office of the President. She is passionate about youth empowerment, leadership, and sustainable community development. As Treasurer, Neema promotes transparency and accountability in the organization financial management while supporting the planning and implementation of youth and environmental initiatives. She believes that empowered young people are the key to building resilient communities and is committed to creating opportunities that enable the youth of Dabaso to thrive through innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation.

Charity Kazungu

Member

Charity Kazungu has been an active member of Dabaso Youth for Green Future since its early beginnings, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the group. She has participated in various initiatives, including mangrove nursery establishment and restoration activities that helped generate funds for the establishment of the group’s beekeeping project, as well as the BlueBiz programme, which contributed to securing grants for the group. Previously serving as Assistant Chairperson, Charity played an important role in promoting peace, unity, and teamwork within the organization. She continues to champion these values and is committed to ensuring that every young person in Dabaso Youth for Green Future benefits from the opportunities created by the group while supporting its growth to greater heights.

Baraka Diwani

Comittee Member

Baraka Diwani is a dedicated Committee Member of Dabaso Youth for Green Future, with a strong commitment to youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and sustainable community development. He believes that effective leadership is grounded in service, integrity, collaboration, and leading by example. Through his active involvement in the organisation, Baraka contributes his time, ideas, energy, and skills towards advancing DYGF’s vision and strengthening its impact in the community. He is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people and supporting initiatives that promote a healthier and more sustainable environment. Baraka remains committed to contributing to the growth of Dabaso Youth for Green Future and building a lasting positive legacy for the community.

Our Story

How Dabaso Youth for Green Future began

Dabaso Youth for Green Future (DYGF) is a youth-led community-based organization rooted in Dabaso Ward, Kilifi County, Kenya, working at the intersection of environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, youth empowerment and the blue economy.

Our journey began in September 2023, when Climate Promise brought together more than 60 young people from Dabaso for training on mangrove nursery establishment and restoration. The experience opened our eyes to the connection between a healthy environment and the future of young people in our community.

Inspired by what we had learned, a group of 25 young people came together and formally registered Dabaso Youth for Green Future in December 2023. We started with a simple belief: "young people should not only be beneficiaries of development and conservation efforts; they should be active leaders and solution-builders in their communities."

Since then, DYGF has grown from a small group of young conservation enthusiasts into an emerging youth-led organization implementing practical community initiatives.

Our early work focused on mangrove restoration and environmental conservation. As we worked with communities, we recognized that environmental challenges cannot be addressed in isolation from the economic and social realities facing young people. This understanding shaped our approach, we began developing opportunities that connect environmental conservation with sustainable livelihoods, including crab fattening, beekeeping, and other green and nature-based enterprises. Through these initiatives, young people have gained practical skills, mentorship and opportunities to participate in enterprises that contribute to both community livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

At the same time, our work has expanded beyond livelihoods and conservation. We are increasingly creating spaces for young people to develop leadership skills, participate in governance, engage in advocacy and influence decisions affecting their communities and natural resources.
We also recognize that a sustainable future depends on healthy and resilient young people. This has led us to strengthen our focus on youth health, wellbeing, mental health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Today, our work is organized around four interconnected thematic areas:
🌿 Climate Action
We support community-led conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate action and green innovation. Our work includes mangrove restoration, environmental awareness, and other nature-based solutions.
👥 Youth Empowerment, Leadership & Enterprise
We equip young people with skills, knowledge and opportunities to lead and build sustainable livelihoods. Through mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership development and enterprise initiatives
🏛️ Governance, Advocacy & Community Engagement
We strengthen youth participation in decision-making and create platforms for communities and young people to raise concerns, engage stakeholders and advocate for issues that affect their environment, livelihoods and wellbeing.
❤️ Youth Health, Wellbeing & SRHR
We promote informed, healthy and resilient young people through awareness, life skills, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing initiatives, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights education, community dialogue and linkages to appropriate services.

Our Journey Forward
From 25 young people who came together in 2023, DYGF continues to grow as a platform for young people to protect their environment, build sustainable livelihoods, participate in governance and advocate for healthier and more resilient communities.
We envision a future where young people have the knowledge, skills, opportunities and platforms to lead positive change in their communities.
Our ambition is to grow beyond individual projects and strengthen a sustainable, youth-led movement for climate action, inclusive development and community transformation along the Kenyan coast.