Kenyan Faith Leaders Call for Stronger Climate Action and Accountability

Faith leaders from across the country are calling for stronger climate action, accountability, and inclusion in addressing the country’s climate crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for Kenya’s government to prioritize grassroots involvement, marginalized groups, and improved research capabilities to effectively tackle climate change.

Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on Kenya, including frequent droughts, floods, and resource conflicts, the faith leaders highlighted the spiritual duty to protect the environment as integral to their religious teachings. They cited scriptures from Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity that emphasize the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.

The leaders called for greater accountability and transparency in governance, urging the government to uphold ethical standards and ensure that climate funds are used effectively. By fostering public scrutiny and participation.

They argued that local communities, particularly smallholder farmers who are heavily impacted by climate change, should be actively involved in decision-making processes to ensure that climate actions address the specific needs and realities of these communities.

The leaders also highlighted the need to include marginalized groups, women, children, and pastoralists in climate action plans to promote social equity and enhance community resilience.

The leaders also called for the development of local research capacities to drive effective climate responses emphasizing the need for high-quality data collection, analysis, and dissemination to inform adaptation strategies.

They also urged the government and other actors to ensure that climate information is accessible and resonates with different segments of society also calling for equitable allocation of climate adaptation funds, with a particular focus on ensuring marginalized groups have access to financial resources.

On the global stage, the leaders joined the government in advocating for reforms to the global financing architecture calling on the national government to prioritize strengthening existing coordination mechanisms, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders across the country.

They highlighted the importance of collaboration among faith-based organizations, government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.

The faith leaders concluded their statement with a call for ambitious mitigation efforts from affluent, industrialized nations urging these countries to align with the 1.5°C target of the 2015 Paris Agreement, reduce their carbon footprints, and provide financial and technological support to developing countries.

As climate change continues to pose severe threats to Kenya’s economy and social well-being, the faith leaders’ call to action underscores the vital role of inclusive, ethical, and well-coordinated efforts in safeguarding the nation’s future.