Kenya joins 79 countries in global children and climate declaration

Nairobi, Kenya, Nov 10 — Kenya has become the 80th nation to endorse the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, vowing to prioritize the rights, needs, and perspectives of children and young people in its climate response. The declaration was signed by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, representing the Government, alongside UNICEF Representative to Kenya Shaheen Nilofer, on November 5.

Kenya's commitment follows data showing that approximately 12 million of its 24.6 million children face moderate to severe risks from climate change and disasters. Of these, 2.4 million reside in seven counties identified as highly vulnerable to climate change. The declaration emphasizes the detrimental effects of climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, on children's access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, nutrition, and education.

It also highlights the disproportionate risks faced by girls and children with disabilities. According to Nilofer, "Children bear the brunt of climate change through disrupted education, threats to their health and nutrition, displacement, and reduced access to safe water and other child-critical services."

The declaration, launched in 2019 during the UN climate conference COP25, urges governments to integrate children's rights and protection from climate change into national policies, plans, and investments. Signatory countries, including Kenya, pledge to involve children and youth meaningfully in climate decision-making processes.

Kenya's commitment aligns with its National Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027 and Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. The government aims to implement the declaration through existing climate policies, enhanced planning and investment. It will monitor progress using child-focused climate-risk indicators, tracking the resilience of essential services, climate financing directed towards these services, and young people's participation in policy processes.

Barasa stated that Kenya will invest in climate-resilient essential services, mobilize accessible and inclusive climate finance, and strengthen vulnerable communities. She emphasized that children and youth are not mere beneficiaries but active partners in shaping climate solutions and building a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient future for all.

The signing precedes COP31, scheduled for November 9-20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye. Kenya intends to leverage the conference to advocate for children's rights, needs, and voices to be prioritized in global climate policy, funding, and action.