Jacob’s Ladder Africa’s Green Careers Caravan (GCC) made its second and third stop at Taita Taveta University (TTU) and Embu University on 22nd and 28th October respectively, marking another milestone in its mission to activate Africa’s next generation of green changemakers. The caravan, which will travel to 12 additional universities across the country by early 2026, aims to expose students to the wealth of opportunities within Africa’s growing green economy.
The events convened students, faculty, and county leaders for an inspiring day of dialogue and discovery on how young people can position themselves for success in the transition to a sustainable future. The event in TTU was graced by distinguished guests that included Sellah Bogonko, co-founder and CEO, JLA; Shedrack Mutungi, County Executive Committee Member, Department of Youth Affairs, Sports, Gender and Social Services; Prof. Christine A. Onyango, Ag. Vice Chancellor, Taita Taveta University and Elizabeth Mbinga, County Chief Officer Youth Affairs, Sports, Gender and Social Services, County Government of Taita Taveta.
Sellah Bogonko inspired students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and take initiative in shaping their futures. She encouraged them to think beyond traditional employment by identifying ventures, such as bamboo farming, that can generate sustainable income while contributing to environmental solutions. She emphasized the importance of being proactive and self-driven, urging students to seek volunteer opportunities in fields they aspire to work in, rather than waiting idly or lamenting the lack of jobs. She also reminded them to hold firm visions for their lives, to write those goals down, and to pursue them with focus and discipline, assuring them that clarity and consistency will turn their ambitions into reality.
In his remarks, Hon. Shedrack Mutungi, also encouraged students to remain patient and entrepreneurial in their pursuit of success, cautioning against get-rich-quick schemes. He reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to supporting JLA’s efforts, highlighting ongoing plans to strengthen agribusiness, particularly in aquaculture across Taita Taveta County.
Prof. Christine Onyango, representing Taita Taveta University, inspired students to use their intellect and creativity to build enterprises that can transform their communities and the nation. The caravan also featured mentorship sessions, where students interacted directly with professionals working in diverse green sectors both as entrepreneurs and as industry experts. These sessions provided practical insights into career pathways that align with the continent’s climate resilience and green transition goals.
Speaking at Embu University, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, Chair of the Consortium of Vice-Chancellors of Public Universities and Vice Chancellor of the University of Embu, urged students to seize the opportunity to broaden their horizons and take strategic steps toward career pathways that are transformative for themselves, their communities, and the environment. He also called for greater collaboration among partner universities in advancing and executing the Caravan’s shared vision for youth empowerment and green innovation.
The events featured interactive town hall sessions hosted by JLA’s co-founder and CEO, where students candidly shared the challenges they face and proposed practical, youth-led solutions that could work with the right support. Both engagements culminated in a spirited Great Green Debate, where two teams went head-to-head on a pressing issue within the green economy. The day closed on a high note, with students winning exciting prizes, including a brand-new phone, adding an extra spark of energy to an already inspiring experience.
Participants were encouraged to take the next step by joining JLA’s greenlabs entrepreneurial incubator or enrolling in ELEV8, its green skilling platform, that enables self-paced learning and continuous upskilling.
With every stop, the Green Careers Caravan continues to demystify the green economy and spotlight the skills, mindsets, and opportunities that will empower young people to lead Africa’s green transition.
