NAIROBI — Climate campaigners marked World Environment Day on Wednesday with a clear demand to the Kenyan government: break ties with fossil fuels and join a growing global effort to end their use.
At a public event in Nairobi, environmental groups called on Kenya to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty a proposed international agreement designed to phase out coal, oil and gas, while pushing for cleaner alternatives.
“Fossil fuels are not our future,” said Fredrick Njehu, Senior Political Adviser at Greenpeace Africa. “Africa contributes the least to global emissions. This is our moment to lead, not to follow.”
Njehu said Kenya could send a strong message by joining the 16 countries that have already endorsed the treaty, including Colombia, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.
“Joining the treaty would reaffirm Kenya’s position as a climate leader,” he told the crowd. “It’s about leaving fossil fuels in the ground and building a just transition that supports our people.”
Kenya already draws over 80 percent of its electricity from renewables like geothermal, wind and hydro, one of the highest rates in Africa. But campaigners say that progress is at risk without a clear commitment to moving away from oil and gas entirely.
A Call for Climate Justice
Prince Papa, Africa campaigner for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said Kenya has a rare opportunity to lead East Africa into what he called “a new era of climate responsibility.”
Referencing colonial history, Papa challenged leaders to make choices based on present needs not past models.
“Why should decisions made in 1884 and 1885 still dictate our economic direction?” he asked, alluding to the Berlin Conference that divided Africa among European powers.
“Fossil fuels are responsible for 86 percent of global carbon emissions. That’s the science. It’s time for us to stand up not as victims of climate change, but as champions for our own future.”
Papa added that global financial institutions are increasingly moving away from fossil fuel projects, citing their high risks and declining long-term value.
“Investing in fossil fuels today is investing in stranded assets,” he said. “We must instead commit to a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and powered by the sun, the wind, and our own resolve.”
Government Yet to Respond
The Kenyan government has not yet made any public statement about the treaty. While President William Ruto has positioned himself as a strong voice on climate most recently hosting the inaugural Africa Climate Summit last year his administration has also pursued oil exploration and gas development.
Campaigners say that dual approach sends mixed signals.
“You can’t lead on climate with one hand and fund fossil fuels with the other,” said Njehu.
With more nations stepping up their pledges ahead of the COP30 climate talks next year, activists hope Kenya will add its name to the list of early adopters of the treaty.
“This is about justice,” said Papa. “Let the sun shine on a fossil-free Africa. Let it shine in our policies, in our communities, and in our hearts.”
