ID: 1764
Presenting Author: Joakim Nyarangi
Session: 667 - SEA’S and SDP’s for 2050
Status: pending
Citizen-led SEA harnessing youth engagement, open data and AI-driven analysis to co-create Kenya’s sustainable development pathways and shared national vision toward 2050
This paper presents ongoing work on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Kenya 2050, a pioneering initiative exploring how citizens envision Kenya’s sustainable future over the next 25 years. Part of the global SEAs for 2050 initiative led by Planning Green Futures (UK), GIS Limited (Kenya), and partners in Kenya and Sierra Leone, the project empowers citizens—especially youth—to co-create sustainable development pathways toward 2050.
The Kenyan pilot engages planners, environmental scientists, and youth advocates using social media and open data platforms to gather diverse perspectives on national sustainability priorities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning tools analyze data from government, NGOs, and development partners to generate alternative scenarios—from “business as usual” to “transformative sustainability.”
Unlike statutory assessments, this pilot operates as a voluntary, inclusive, and forward-looking process, identifying key ingredients for a shared, resilient, and prosperous national future. The study also illustrates how digital tools and citizen engagement can inform a citizen-led Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) for 2050.
The paper highlights Kenya’s leadership in integrating youth participation, digital inclusion, and AI-driven analysis into planning practice. Emerging lessons demonstrate the potential of combining environmental intelligence with social innovation to shape Kenya’s pathway toward sustainability by 2050.
Nyarangi is a licensed Physical Planner & Lead EIA Expert experienced in spatial planning, SEA & sustainable development, championing inclusive, people-centered & climate-resilient planning in Kenya.
Coauthor 1: John Nyangena