The 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) in 2025 introduced the Climate Storytelling Award, a pioneering initiative to empower students to address climate change through film.

Kenya has been on the frontline in spearheading climate actions aimed at building resilience among citizens. This award motivates youth and learners to be solution seekers as they comprehend early warning and preparedness to reduce the high vulnerability to extreme weather hazards.

The Climate Storytelling Initiative

The award is a collaboration between Tunga Afrika, the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF), the Ministry of Education – Kenya, and Climate Story Labs Africa (CSL Africa). This groundbreaking initiative is set to integrate climate education into storytelling.

According to Prof. Christopher Odhiambo, National Chairman of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF), the Climate Storytelling Award is a vital new category that will enhance the clarity of not only learners but also society around climate change.

“We sincerely appreciate Tunga Afrika and partners for their dedication to youth empowerment and climate adaptation. These partnerships affirm that young people are changemakers today,” said Prof. Odhiambo.

Held annually, KNDFF attracts thousands of students from across the country, including those from regions severely affected by climate change, such as North Eastern Kenya.

Through this initiative, students from all over the country are allowed to amplify their voices as they become part of the solution for the harsh climate realities faced by a wider audience.

Makandi Cindy, Founder and Director of Tunga Afrika, reveals that at Tunga Afrika, there is a conviction in the power of storytelling to drive social change.

Commending the KNDFF for the opportunity to collaborate in elevating youth-led stories, she said: “This award inspires students to explore climate challenges in their communities and propose practical, localized solutions.”

A Cultural Shift in Storytelling

This year, the festival took a bold step forward by incorporating Climate Storytelling, ensuring that narratives align with the urgent need for climate action and justice.

Just like the ancient days when stories were told under the sunset by our grandparents, storytelling is renowned for its lessons.

As the push for the adoption of climate change in the curriculum is heightened, it is evident the urgency with which learners need to understand the global challenge and what’s at stake.

“The focus is on having these stories deeply rooted in African realities and told by Kenyan students,” said Makandi.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration, dubbed Climate Storytelling, showcases how the power of film can inspire students, educators, and communities to engage in climate justice issues in ways that reflect their lived realities.

Change is inevitable through empowering the creativity of young minds with their dynamism and innovativeness. The initiative seeks to drive meaningful conversations and actions around climate change with a collective approach in seeking solutions.

This pioneering award invited students to creatively engage with one of the most urgent global issues, climate change, through the transformative power of storytelling grounded in their lived experiences, communities, and aspirations for a sustainable future.

James Indimuli, Executive Secretary, KNDFF, pointed out that the festival is a deliberate attempt to nurture talent. As such, by integrating climate storytelling, students are equipped with the ability to tell compelling stories that not only entertain but also educate and inspire climate action.

How Will Climate Storytelling Advance Climate Actions?

The Climate Storytelling Program uses films as an educational tool to deepen climate literacy among high school students. It aims to foster critical thinking, encourage climate advocacy, and empower students to take active roles in addressing climate challenges in their communities.

The award celebrates films that highlight climate-related challenges and solutions, inspiring young filmmakers to use their creativity as a force for change.

This was illustrated by the win of Garissa High School, whose film ‘Mazingira Yetu, Mustakabali Wetu’ by Abdirahman Dayib Abdullahi was outstandingly compelling. Narrated by student climate advocate Ismail, the film vividly portrays the devastating effects of prolonged droughts and recurring floods on the local community, with a particular focus on how these challenges affect education and livelihoods.

“We are honoured to be the inaugural recipients of the Climate Storytelling Award,” said Mohamud Mohamed Dubat, Chief Principal, Garissa High School.

A film that entails real-life footage and powerful testimonials, the documentary showcases how students at Garissa High School are taking action by leading tree-planting initiatives as a sustainable solution to restore their environment.

“Our documentary highlighted the impacts of climate change in North Eastern Kenya, one of the most affected regions. We hope our film inspires others to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, including the President’s tree planting initiative,” said Dubat.

Recognizing Young Changemakers

The 2025 Climate Storytelling Award winners included Garissa High School with ‘Mazingira Yetu, Mustakabali Wetu’ as the winner to be awarded KES 200,000. Second was Wenje Secondary School with ‘Dhahabu’ as the First Runner-Up to be awarded KES 150,000, and third was Ruaraka High School with ‘Revive and Thrive’ as the Second Runner-Up to be awarded KES 100,000.

Magdalene Muoki, Drama Patron at Ruaraka High School, emphasized that the awards mean a lot as they affirm the students in their passion for adaptation. She revealed that their documentary was a collaborative effort between the Drama and International Climate Champions Clubs.

“It strengthens our resolve to continue environmental conservation through efforts like waste recycling,” she said.

In addition to the trophies, each school received an Impact Grant to support screenings and climate engagement activities in their communities, ensuring their stories drive real conversations and solutions.

The success of this year’s Climate Storytelling Award reflects the growing commitment across Kenya to equip the next generation with the tools to tell transformative stories and to take action.