The Second Edition of the African School 2025

From June 30 to July 11, 2025, the University of Nairobi, through the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA), hosted the second edition of the African School on Climate Change Adaptation. This two-week intensive program convened Kenyan students, students from African universities, and international university students, to deepen their understanding of climate change, resilience, and adaptation in African contexts.

Launched in July 2024 at the Chiromo Campus, the African School aimed to build a pipeline of climate-minded students by blending lectures, group projects, field visits, and expert-led conferences. With the 2025 iteration, the program expanded its reach and curriculum, responding to high demand and laying stronger foundations for interdisciplinary climate education.

The second edition of the African School on Climate Change Adaptation attracted a diverse and motivated group of 27 participants. The program targeted Kenyan university students, students from universities across Africa, and international students. The Program is particularly suited for early-career professionals, graduate students, and emerging researchers with a strong interest in climate adaptation, sustainability, and development. By bringing together participants from various academic and professional backgrounds, the program fosters a rich environment for interdisciplinary learning, regional collaboration, and the co-creation of locally relevant solutions to climate challenges in Africa.

The 2nd Cohort, July 2025

Participants immersed themselves in a rigorous curriculum designed to bridge theory and practice:

  • Nature-Based Solutions & Adaptation Pathways sessions encouraged critical thinking and creativity through ecosystem-based adaptation frameworks.
  • Science Meets Action modules, including the interactive Climate Fresk board game, empowered students to understand climate systems and collaboratively envision adaptation strategies.

Climate Fresk

  • Group-led Project Work based on the COP30 simulation gave students a hands-on opportunity to design innovative solutions on themes such as Nature-Based Solutions and Adaptation Pathways.
  • A series of Conferences and discussions featured experts, enabling rich exchange on climate science and policy.
  • Company Forum sessions included presentations from TotalEnergies, Schneider Electric, Geothermal Development Company, and Bamburi Cement illustrating the translation of corporate climate commitment into action.

Company Forum Panel

Enriching the academic content, field trips connected students directly with climate-focused institutions and initiatives. Participants visited the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center, gaining inspiration and insight into global climate governance.

 

Field Visits

At UoN’s Chiromo Campus, students toured the Geochemistry, Seismology, Earth Sciences and C4D Labs

 

Lab Visits

The success of the program was bolstered by strong institutional, corporate, and infrastructural partnerships:

  • Institutional Support: ICCA and University Advancement & Institutional Development  coordinated the efforts to deliver a program that blends academic rigor with real-world engagement.
  • Corporate Partnerships: Contributions from TotalEnergies, Schneider Electric, Bamburi Cement and Geothermal Development Company provided students with valuable perspectives on sustainability leadership and industry-level climate innovation.

Following the program’s profound impact in 2024 and 2025, planning is underway for the third edition, scheduled for July 6–17, 2026, at the University of Nairobi. Successful applicants will be notified in early 2026 with details on application criteria, faculty lineup, program fees, and sponsorship opportunities. Prospective applicants are encouraged to express interest via the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation.

 

Faculty, Administration members and Students