Nairobi, Kenya – Leaders, lawmakers, judges, and civil society groups have met in Nairobi on the second day of the 2025 Climate Action Summit to discuss how governance and justice can drive Kenya’s climate transition.
The meeting focused on inclusive, well-financed, community-led solutions anchored in strong institutions and devolution.
Hon. Justice Oscar Angote, Principal Judge of the Environment and Land Court, emphasised the judiciary’s role in protecting the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.
Justice Angote stated that the courts must safeguard both the environment and the dignity of communities affected by climate change.
“Climate action must go hand in hand with human rights protection. We must ensure that vulnerable and indigenous populations are not left behind as we move towards a low-carbon future,” Justice Angote said.
Angote highlighted the importance of inclusion and accountability in climate-related decisions.
He stated that development must not come at the expense of ecological balance or the rights of marginalised communities.
“Our pursuit of resilience must protect green spaces and riparian lands. These are lifelines for biodiversity, livelihoods, and human well-being,” he added.
He also called for more civic education to help citizens understand and defend their environmental rights.
The judiciary, he said, will continue holding government, corporations, and individuals accountable for environmental harm.
Senator Faki Mohamed Mwinyihaji, Chair of the Senate Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, emphasized the power of devolution in addressing climate challenges.
“Counties must not be passive recipients of policy—they must lead local solutions,” he said.
Senator Faki cited examples from Nyandarua, Mombasa, and Lamu to demonstrate that climate impacts affect all regions, requiring joint responses.
He outlined Senate priorities, including coordinated national–county efforts, transparent climate financing, and community-led green energy projects.
“Devolution is Kenya’s greatest advantage in the climate era. It enables local innovation and national coordination,” Faki said.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, emphasised community participation as essential to restoring ecosystems.
“At the heart of river regeneration lies community ownership. We are not displacing communities; we are formalising them,” Bishop Wanjiru noted.
She explained that the Nairobi Rivers plan aims to integrate informal economic activities in areas such as Grogan and Kamukunji into sustainable market spaces.
As Kenya prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, participants reaffirmed the country’s commitment to justice, collaboration, and people-centred climate action.
The Summit, co-hosted by the Nairobi Rivers Commission and the Kenya School of Government, continues with discussions on financing, innovation, and private sector partnerships.
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