HISTORIC EVENT SEES SIGNING OF LAIKIPIA COUNTY CLIMATE ACT, MARKING A NEW ERA FOR GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
In a landmark moment for climate governance in Kenya, the Mt. Kenya Network Forum (MKNF) was officially launched on October 12 – 14, 2021, at the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel, Nanyuki. The event brought together county leaders, environmental experts, and grassroots advocates to celebrate the power of collective action and witnessed the historic signing of the Laikipia County Climate Change Act, a pivotal step toward localized climate justice.
A LAUNCH STEEPED IN IMPACT
Hosted under the mentorship of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and supported by the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (KPCG), the launch showcased MKNF’s commitment to:
✔ Policy Advocacy: Governor Nderitu Muriithi’s signing of the Laikipia Climate Act demonstrated the forum’s role in bridging grassroots voices with legislative action.
✔ Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Over 70 participants, including County Executives (CECs), NEMA officials, and community leaders, united to align county resources with national climate goals.
✔ Capacity Building: A two-day training equipped attendees with tools to implement climate-smart policies and projects across the Mt. Kenya region.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Governor Muriithi’s Climate Leadership
The signing of the Laikipia County Climate Change Act established a precedent for devolved climate action, integrating community-led solutions into the legal framework. The event also introduced the County Water Act, reinforcing Laikipia’s commitment to sustainable resource management. - PACJA’s Strategic Partnership
PACJA’s high-level delegation underscored the importance of sub-national alliances, pledging continued support for MKNF’s work in climate finance and policy monitoring. - Media Amplification
Coverage by mainstream media highlighted the forum’s potential to scale impact, with calls to replicate the model in other counties.
VOICES FROM THE GROUND
“This launch isn’t just about a network, it’s about reclaiming our future,” said Stephen Kariuki, CEO & Founder, MKNF’s Climate Finance Lead. “With Laikipia’s Climate Act, we’re proving that counties can lead the fight against climate change.”
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, PACJA Executive Director, applauded MKNF’s grassroots mobilization: “Local action is the backbone of continental climate justice. Mt. Kenya is lighting the way.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
MKNF will leverage this momentum to:
- Advocate for similar climate laws in neighboring counties.
- Mobilize youth and women-led climate initiatives.
- Strengthen partnerships with donors and policymakers.
CALL TO ACTION:
Join the movement! Follow MKNF’s journey on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or contact info@mtkenyanetworkforum.org or mtkenyanetworkforum@gmail.com to collaborate.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
The MKNF launch wasn’t just an event—it was a declaration that climate resilience begins at the grassroots. By uniting policy, practice, and people, Kenya’s mountain communities are planting seeds of change for generations to come.
