The Climate Justice Movement (CJM) in Kenya is a dynamic and decentralized coalition of civil society actors, grassroots organizations, indigenous peoples’ groups, and community networks focused on addressing the unequal impacts of
climate change on vulnerable populations. The movement seeks to promote equity, human rights, and inclusive climate action through advocacy for climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage support. In 2024, Natural Justice commissioned a study to assess the state of the CJM in Kenya, examining its composition, strengths, barriers, and growth potential. The study, involving over 400 respondents, found that while the CJM has made significant progress in influencingclimate policy at both county and national levels, internal divisions—particularly regarding representation on the National Climate Change Council—have weakened its unified voice. To address these issues, recommendations include implementing a CJM engagement framework that strengthens grassroots inclusion, resolving internal conflicts, and building
partnerships between established CSOs and local actors.
Despite Kenya’s comprehensive climate legal framework, implementation remains weak due to limited funding, coordination gaps, and low public awareness. The CJM must strengthen its role in influencing planning and budgeting through meaningful participation in existing governance platforms. The study also highlights three critical capacity-building needs across policy, institutional, and individual levels. Additionally, the CJM emphasizes gender-responsive climate action but faces challenges in mainstreaming gender due to limited understanding among policymakers. To advance climate justice,
the movement must build strategic alliances, enhance civic engagement, and support education and capacity development—particularly on gender and intersectionality. Overall, the CJM in Kenya holds transformative potential, but requires strengthened unity, strategic investment, and deeper inclusion to effectively drive equitable climate action.
