NANYUKI, KENYA – The Mt. Kenya Network Forum (MKNF) continues to demonstrate grassroots leadership and strategic action in Kenya’s climate justice movement, following its recent participation in two transformative initiatives: the #AfrikaVuka Climate Workshop and the Global Just Recovery Gathering (GJRG).
BUILDING MOMENTUM WITH #AFRIKAVUKA: LEARNING, UNITING, MOBILIZING
As an active participant in the #AfrikaVuka Climate Workshop organized by 350Africa.org, MKNF had the unique opportunity to engage with campaigners, journalists, and organizers from across the continent. The workshop offered valuable lessons through case studies and first-hand accounts of successful grassroots campaigns.
From Senegal’s Save Bargny movement to Ghana’s G-ROC coalition and Kenya’s deCOALonize campaign, the forum explored various strategies, including community mobilization, coalition building, litigation, lobbying, and policy advocacy. Speakers such as Mamadou Barry, Portia Baffour, and Omar Elmawi shared compelling insights that energized participants to adopt similar strategies in their local contexts.
“The lessons learned from these powerful movements continue to fuel our community-led work at the foot of Mt. Kenya. We are energized to expand our local organizing and amplify voices that have been long sidelined in Kenya’s transition,” said Stephen Kariuki, MKNF Founder and Executive Director.
The workshop also emphasized intergenerational dialogue, encouraging youth-led initiatives alongside elder wisdom. MKNF has since scaled up engagement with youth groups across Laikipia, Nyeri, Isiolo, and Meru Counties, encouraging them to attend future #AfrikaVuka sessions and take an active role in reshaping Kenya’s climate narrative.
HOSTING THE GLOBAL JUST RECOVERY GATHERING IN LAIKIPIA: LOCAL ACTION FOR A GLOBAL GOAL
In alignment with 350.org’s Global Just Recovery Gathering, MKNF convened a vibrant 3-day event in Laikipia County, bringing together youth leaders, community-based organizations, civil society groups, religious actors, and representatives from the county government. The gathering was grounded in five guiding principles:
- Putting people’s health first,
- Delivering direct economic relief,
- Supporting workers and communities over corporations,
- Building resilience for future crises, and
- Promoting solidarity across borders.
Through dynamic panels, cultural performances, poster exhibitions, and advocacy planning sessions, participants explored Kenya’s progress under the Paris Agreement and discussed pathways for a just energy transition.
Key workshop sessions included:
- Policy Advocacy for Climate Action
- Youth Employment in the Green Economy
- Climate Finance and Legal Frameworks
- Storytelling and Media Training for Local Campaigns
OUTCOMES AND COMMITMENTS: A JUST TRANSITION FOR ALL
The gathering culminated in a communique submitted to the Laikipia County Government, outlining community-led recommendations for advancing a just transition. These include equitable access to climate finance, youth involvement in policymaking, and protection of environmental defenders.
Outcomes from the gathering included:
- Strengthened local climate networks,
- Youth trained in climate justice advocacy,
- Media engagement with NTV and KTN, capturing community voices
- Public commitments from county officials to integrate just transition goals into development plans.
Despite a tight budget of USD 510, funded partially by MKNF’s founder, the event exceeded expectations, even incorporating a tree planting session at Neema Academy in Nanyuki. The Forum’s commitment to accountability was reinforced by full public disclosure of expenditures.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Mt. Kenya Network Forum is already channeling momentum from these events into new campaigns focused on:
- Renewable energy adoption in rural areas,
- Defending community land against extractive projects,
- Linking SDG indicators with grassroots climate actions,
- Expanding regional coalitions under #AfrikaVuka and 350.org Africa.
MKNF continues to call on national and international partners to support grassroots movements, particularly those led by youth, women, and indigenous groups.
“The road to a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient Kenya is long, but we walk it together—with bold action, community wisdom, and continental solidarity,” concludes Stephen Kariuki.
Socials:
@350Africa | @AfrikaVuka | #JustRecovery | #AfrikaVuka | #ClimateJusticeKE
