10 Kenyan Climate Justice initiatives to follow
By Ruth Bisieri
A List of 10 Climate Justice Initiatives led by Kenyan and African People.
Action For Climate Resilient Solutions (ACRES)
Founded in 2011, ACRES is a humanitarian, advocacy, and development organization that works in Kenya and Somalia to help local communities, especially in remote areas, adapt and mitigate climate change and variability. ACRES works mostly in rural areas where few development companies venture to empower them to increase their food security, nutrition of their families, and financial security by being more resilient to climate change and variability.
The Action For Climate Resilient Solutions (ACRES) is involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience. Here are some key initiatives:
Community-Based Adaptation Projects: ACRES works with local communities to develop and implement strategies that help them adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes sustainable agriculture practices, water conservation, and disaster risk reduction.
Climate Education and Awareness: They conduct educational programs to raise awareness about climate change and its effects. These programs target schools, community groups, and local leaders to foster a better understanding of climate resilience.
Policy Advocacy: ACRES engages in advocacy efforts to influence climate-related policies at local, national, and international levels. They work to ensure that climate resilience is integrated into development planning and policy-making processes.
Research and Innovation: The organization supports research initiatives that explore new and innovative solutions for climate resilience. This includes developing new technologies and practices that can help communities better withstand climate impacts.
Partnerships and Collaborations: ACRES collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to enhance the effectiveness of their climate resilience initiatives.
2. Springs of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SASAL)
Founded in Magadi Kenya by a woman known as Mana Omar, Springs of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SASAL) is a non-governmental organization that works with pastoral communities to build climate resilience in these dry areas. They’ve developed numerous initiatives to spread awareness and knowledge about tackling climate change. Additionally, SASAL is actively planting and caring for trees, rejuvenating the soil to promote rainfall, and preserving biodiversity to combat climate change.
Here are some details about their tree-planting initiatives:
Tree Growing Initiative at Olkiramatian Primary School:
Date: 18th January 2020
Objective: Educate young minds about the importance of trees in environmental transformation.
Funding: Personal contributions and donations from various individuals.
Activities:
Tree Planting: Actual tree planting to promote environmental resilience.
Awareness: Educating participants on the significance of trees.
Responsibility: Encouraging nurturing and care for the planted trees.
Agroforestry for Land Restoration:
SASAL promotes land restoration in arid areas through agroforestry techniques.
Indigenous trees, fruits, and vegetables are grown to bring environmental, social, and economic benefits.
3. Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa
The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) is a vibrant community led by passionate young Catholic leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their inspiring mission is to empower young Catholics, their movements, and communities to make a meaningful difference in addressing environmental degradation and climate change challenges. Let’s take a look at some of the incredible initiatives they pursue:
Education and Awareness Creation: CYNESA is creating a comprehensive youth toolkit that incorporates aspects of scripture, Ignatian Spirituality, scientific research, and Catholic social teaching to educate young people on climate change.
They are focused on networking and advocacy training by building relationships with similar organizations, providing advocacy training for young Catholics, and fostering collaboration between various environmental initiatives across the continent.
CYNESA is dedicated to encouraging and supporting local action plans by inspiring youth to initiate sustainable practices in their parishes, schools, and youth movements to promote resource conservation.
4. The Africa Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC)
The African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) was established in Nairobi, Kenya in 2006 to create a network that connects youth organizations, university groups, rural youth associations, and like-minded individuals across Africa. AYICC is dedicated to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Its main goal is to amplify the voices of youth from southern Africa during international climate change negotiations.
Here are some of its key initiatives:
Youth Advocacy: AYICC seeks to amplify the voices of youth from southern Africa in international climate negotiations and advocates for meaningful youth participation.
Capacity Building: The organization provides training, workshops, and resources to empower young people to take action on climate change.
Community Engagement: AYICC collaborates with local communities, rural youth groups, and university associations to promote sustainable practices.
Awareness Campaigns: AYICC raises awareness about climate change and biodiversity through campaigns, events, and educational programs.
Policy Influence: AYICC contributes to policy discussions aimed at shaping climate policies at both regional and global levels.
5. The Blue Earth Organization
Established in March 2020, The Blue Earth Organization is an inspiring youth-led environmental organization based in the beautiful coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya. As a response to the pressing issues of climate change, plastic, and air pollution, and the decline of natural habitats in the coastal region, BEO stands as a beacon of hope. This passionate group of young people is dedicated to raising awareness about climate justice, with a strong focus on engaging and empowering fellow youths and Indigenous communities.
Some of the initiatives that the BEO is involved in include:
The Blue Earth Organization in Mombasa, Kenya is actively involved in environmental conservation, climate advocacy, and mangrove restoration. Over the last three years, they have successfully planted 30,000 mangroves to restore the degraded ecosystem and support communities affected by mangrove destruction.
Recently, in collaboration with Logos Hope crewmembers, they planted 4,000 mangrove seedlings in Mombasa’s coastal regions, emphasizing the role of young people as defenders of our planet.
Furthermore, there’s a broader initiative called the Go Blue Project, supported by the European Union, which aims to advance the Blue Economy agenda across six coastal counties in Kenya, including Mombasa. This project focuses on protecting coastal ecosystems while creating environmentally friendly jobs, generating over 3,000 jobs for youth and women alone.
These efforts demonstrate the commitment of organizations like Blue Earth to safeguarding our environment and promoting sustainable practices.
6. Community Action for Nature Conservancy
CANCO is an inspiring Environmental Civil Society Organization that has been making a positive impact since its establishment in 2008. From its offices in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Eldoret, CANCO brings together a diverse group of professionals and practitioners who are passionate about promoting environmental governance, conservation, sustainable resource use, and responsible development.
CANCO’s key initiatives are truly impressive:
1. Environmental Advocacy: CANCO actively raises awareness about environmental issues and works to influence policy decisions and promote responsible practices.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: This organization is deeply committed to protecting and restoring biodiversity by conserving natural habitats, supporting endangered species, and promoting sustainable land use.
3. Natural Resource Management: By collaborating with communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders, CANCO seeks to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources such as water, forests, and minerals.
4. Climate Justice: Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, CANCO advocates for equitable solutions and climate justice.
5. Capacity Building: CANCO provides valuable training, workshops, and educational programs to enhance environmental knowledge and empower individuals and communities.
7. Kenya Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance
The Kenya PanAfrican Climate Justice Alliance (KPACJA) is a powerhouse consortium comprising over 1,000 organizations from 51 African countries, representing diverse sectors including grassroots, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, NGOs, trusts, foundations, indigenous communities, farmers, and pastoralist groups. KPACJA is driven by a vision to champion a people-centered, rights-based, just, and inclusive approach to combat the climate and environmental challenges affecting humanity and the planet.
Some of the impactful initiatives led by the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) include the following:
GUARD Africa Project: It aims to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality during the COVID-19 crisis.
African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ): This is a five-year program operating in eight African countries, dedicated to mobilizing women, youth, and indigenous communities for climate solutions and environmental rights.
Accer Awards 2020: This initiative focuses on strengthening social fabric and institutions in response to COVID-19, climate change, and inequality.
People-centered Energy Transition: This critical project is at the forefront of advancing sustainable energy transition in Africa, spearheaded by PACJA and its partners.
The Africa Energy Transition Project: This endeavour targets the shift away from coal and promotes renewable energy, with implementation partnered with WWF and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).
8. Miti Alliance
Miti Alliance, a dynamic social enterprise based in Nyeri County, Kenya, is spearheaded by Michael Waiyaki, the visionary founder and CEO. Their ambitious mission is to plant five million trees by 2025 and educate present and future generations about conservation
Through the innovative Miti Schools Program, they are empowering school children with the knowledge and skills to tackle climate change head-on. The program focuses on planting and nurturing fruit and indigenous trees, while also educating participants about the critical role of indigenous species, soil, and water in the fight against climate change. Miti Alliance has made significant strides in environmental education and tree planting.
Here’s a summary of their impact for the years 2018 to 2021:
2018:
7,000 tree seedlings planted.
12,000 seed balls distributed.
2019:
12,000 tree seedlings planted.
50,000 seed balls distributed.
2020:
10,200 tree seedlings planted.
81,000 seed balls distributed.
87,115 tree seedlings sold.
2021:
18,000 tree seedlings planted.
120,000 seed balls distributed.
180,111 tree seedlings sold.
In addition, their “Greening the Future” project impacted over 900 students by planting 1,000 trees across 10 schools. The survival rate after one month was an impressive 96.6%
miti.co.ke
9. PACIDA
The Pastoralist Community Initiative and Development Assistance (PACIDA) is a dynamic and compassionate organisation committed to pastoralist communities’ sustainable development and relief. Established in 2008 by a group of dedicated local scholars and development practitioners, PACIDA focuses on addressing urgent humanitarian needs, vulnerabilities, and developmental gaps within its targeted region.
The organization’s work spans across five vital thematic areas:
1. Sustainable Livelihoods Development
2. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
3. Education
4. Peace, Conflict Management, and Governance
5. Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR & CCA)
10. Kijabe Environment Volunteers
Established in 1994, KENVO is a community-based organisation committed to preserving the Kikuyu escarpment ecosystems through sustainable nature conservation initiatives. Their multifaceted approach encompasses capacity building, forest restoration, youth empowerment, ecotourism promotion, and research.
Some of their notable initiatives are:
Eco-Tourism Activities: KENVO actively encourages and participates in eco-tourism ventures within the Kikuyu Escarpment Forest region. By prioritizing sustainable tourism practices, they significantly contribute to both conservation efforts and the development of the local community.
Income-Generating Activities: KENVO has initiated several income-generating projects in the forest area, such as beekeeping and community tree nurseries. Moreover, they have successfully implemented an apiculture farming system at one of their project sites, benefitting over 3,000 farmers through collaboration with their committees.
Capacity Building and Community Empowerment: Recognizing the vital role of strengthening local forest communities, KENVO provides resources, knowledge, and a collective voice to empower these communities. They strive to influence local and national authorities on forest-related rights, aiming to uplift the communities and protect their interests.
kenvo.org
Conclusion
In the vibrant landscape of Kenya, these ten climate justice initiatives stand as beacons of hope, resilience, and community-driven change. Their tireless efforts, led by passionate Kenyan and African leaders, echo across the savannas, forests, and coastal shores. As we celebrate their commitment to climate justice, let us remember that climate action knows no border; it thrives in the collective heartbeat of humanity.
From grassroots movements to policy advocacy, these organizations exemplify the spirit of ubuntu: “I am because we are.” As the sun sets over the Great Rift Valley, their work continues—a symphony of voices harmonizing for a sustainable and just future.
