Kenyan Stakeholders Rally Behind Global Call for Fossil Fuel Treaty Ahead of World Environment Day
In a show of unity and urgency ahead of World Environment Day, Kenyan stakeholders from faith groups, civil society, youth networks, and Indigenous communities have declared their support for the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a bold international initiative aimed at securing a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Among the notable voices were members of the Maasai community from Kajiado County, marking a milestone as the first Indigenous Peoples in Africa to endorse the Treaty. Their support aligns them with 11 Amazonian Indigenous nations, underscoring the growing global momentum around the initiative.
The Treaty aims to establish a legally binding international mechanism to phase out fossil fuel production, halt new developments, and support a just transition for communities most vulnerable to the climate crisis. To date, 16 countries are engaged in discussions, joined by over 130 cities, 1,000 parliamentarians, 4,000 organizations, and institutions such as the World Health Organization and the European Parliament.
Environmental advocate Moses Ole Kipaliash ,Prince Papa from the Fossil Fuel Treaty,Hakeem Khalid of SUPKEM and IRCK ,Frederick Njehu of Greenpeace and Youth Voice representative, Miss Tourism Africa 2022 ,Muthoni Kariuki during a panel discussion.
Speaking at the event,With Kenya pursuing 100 percent renewable energy, Prince Papa from the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative stated that supporting the Treaty would strengthen national ambitions and attract international financing and technology.
Frederick Njehu of Greenpeace Africa highlighted Kenya’s leadership potential. “African nations are paying the price for a crisis they did not create,” he said, adding that Kenya has an opportunity to shape the solution by joining the talks and advancing the push for a fair and financed global transition.
Environmental advocate Moses Ole Kipaliash echoed this sentiment from the community level. “As Maasai, we live off the land. But the weather is no longer predictable our animals are dying, our land is suffering. We back the Treaty to safeguard our future and urge others to join us,” he said.
Faith leaders also weighed in, framing the crisis as a moral issue. Hakeem Khalid of SUPKEM and IRCK noted, “It is our sacred duty to protect creation. This Treaty provides a path to do so through cooperation and justice.”
Youth voices, represented by Miss Tourism Africa 2022 Muthoni Kariuki, demanded bolder action. “Our futures are at stake. The time for symbolic action is over we need real, enforceable solutions,” she urged.
The proposal is built on three pillars including ending fossil fuel expansion, managing a fair phase-out, and supporting developing countries in transitioning to clean energy. As climate impacts intensify, Kenyan stakeholders stated that now is the time for bold, collective action.
By Sharon Atieno
