NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) has unveiled a comprehensive Citizen Handbook on Climate Change.
This initiative aims to demystify complex climate information, making it both accessible and actionable for the general public.
Speaking at the launch, Environment and Climate Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno emphasized the urgent need for community engagement in climate action.
“Communities, including our own, are at the forefront of adapting to and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change,” he stated.
KARA CEO Henry Ochieng reiterated the association’s dedication to environmental sustainability and education.
“Our goal is to ensure everyone understands the issues so that we can collectively move in the same direction,” Ochieng said.
The handbook, which covers a wide range of topics from the basics of climate change to practical steps individuals and communities can take, was presented by Climate Care CEO Jim Oduor.
“We are here to enhance climate change education,” Oduor declared, highlighting the handbook’s role in shifting the narrative from scientific jargon to social reality.
Survey findings that informed the handbook’s creation revealed that while 75% of Kenyans had heard about climate change through electronic media, only 60% perceived it as a serious issue.
Moreover, 19% viewed climate change efforts as futile. “We aim to change this perception by making the information more relatable and understandable,” Oduor explained.
To ensure inclusivity, KARA plans to translate the handbook into various languages and tailor it for persons with disabilities.
“This initiative showcases the power of partnerships in driving climate action. By uniting government, civil society, and the private sector, we have created a valuable resource that will inspire and mobilize citizens across Kenya,” Oduor concluded.
KARA Chairman Richard Nyaga also underscored the importance of simplifying climate information.
“Effective climate action requires widespread awareness and information sharing,” he noted.
