Meet Sylivia Opieba: A Climate Champion Empowering Youth Through Creativity and Advocacy
Sylivia Opieba, a 22-year-old environmentalist and climate advocate from Nairobi, Kenya, is a force of nature in the fight against climate change. As the founder of Green Got Talent, a youth-led initiative that harnesses talents, arts, and creativity to champion environmental sustainability, Sylivia has dedicated her life to inspiring change and equipping young people to make a difference.
Sylivia’s passion for climate advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. In 2013, as a Grade Six student in Busia County, Kenya, Sylivia and her family were displaced by devastating floods—a stark and painful reminder of the effects of climate change. Witnessing firsthand the destruction of homes, property, and crops ignited her resolve to tackle environmental challenges. Over the years, she has transformed that determination into impactful action.
Since founding Green Got Talent in 2023, Sylivia has led innovative programs that empower youth to use their creativity for climate advocacy. Her team has conducted education and empowerment drives across five hubs, fostering a vibrant community of young changemakers. One of her most notable projects was Restoring Schoollands, where she spearheaded a tree-planting and climate education activity at Shadrack Kimalel Primary School in Nairobi. The initiative brought together 100 Grade Six students, two teachers, and 11 volunteers to plant trees and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Sylivia’s journey is marked by incredible achievements. From planting 3,000 trees to educating over 500 learners on climate change, her efforts have transformed communities and inspired action. Between 2021 and 2024, Sylivia served as the Publicity and Marketing Lead for the Egerton Environmental Club, successfully growing membership by 300 and amplifying the club’s mission. As a member of the Kenya Inter-University Environmental Students Association, she has reached 30 higher learning institutions, promoting sustainability through climate literacy, green hackathons, and tree-planting campaigns.
Her work has also earned her recognition on global platforms. In 2024, Sylivia was selected by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) to serve on the Africa Project Team and speak at their conference. She also participated as a delegate at the Global Lands Initiative Workshop in Bouake, Ivory Coast, where she collaborated on land restoration projects in lowland systems.
