Watoto na Mazingira Climate Program in Kenya

The climate crisis is a child rights crisis, harming children’s right to survival, health, education, protection, food and water. Children are bearing the brunt of the crisis as they have longer to live with the climate emergency and will experience more disasters in their lifetimes.

Their immune systems are still developing, leaving their rapidly growing bodies more vulnerable to extreme climate variabilities. In Kenya, where almost half the population comprises children, climate-related challenges like frequent droughts and floods exacerbate issues such as water scarcity, disease
transmission, and disruption of education.

These crises also increase their vulnerability to trafficking, forced labour, and other forms of exploitation. Despite contributing minimally to environmental degradation, children suffer the most from climate hazards hence, it is imperative to recognize children’s agency and include their voices in climate action, as mandated by international conventions and Kenyan law .