Between April 2024 and August 2024, Africa’s Voices Amplified (AVA), supported by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) through Uraia Trust with additional funding support from Luminate Foundation, implemented a transformative project aimed at enhancing climate resilience in the Southeastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB). Spanning Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties, this initiative sought to empower communities by fostering citizen knowledge, participation, and ownership of climate action, focusing on afforestation and smart agriculture practices.
The project’s objectives were clear: build climate awareness, promote citizen involvement, and influence county-level policies. AVA used a multimedia approach that included four weekly interactive live radio shows on Musyi FM, conducted in the local Kikamba language, to reach marginalized groups like women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The radio shows, alongside community dialogues and symposiums, provided a platform for 3,349 participants who sent in over 8,200 messages, underscoring the importance of citizen engagement in shaping climate action.
The impact was tangible. Over 63% of participants reported being more engaged in climate discussions, with many adopting sustainable practices like tree planting and climate-smart farming. These actions illustrate growing community ownership of solutions to the region’s environmental challenges. However, gaps remain—such as the need for more outreach, knowledge on climate-resilient species, and stronger regulatory enforcement.
Through this project, AVA has amplified the voices of SEKEB residents, ensuring their perspectives shape local climate resilience efforts. By working closely with county governments and local organizations, the project paves the way for more inclusive and sustainable climate solutions, directly contributing to global goals like SDG 13 on Climate Action.
Looking ahead, sustained awareness, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and continued citizen engagement will be essential in overcoming barriers like limited water access and environmental regulation enforcement. AVA’s project serves as a critical model for how citizen-led climate action can be both impactful and inclusive.
