NAIROBI, Kenya- Journalists from across Kenya have been challenged to deepen their reporting on climate governance and environmental justice following a training organised by the Katiba Institute in Nakuru.
The training, held from March 9, brought together media practitioners to explore the legal, environmental, and governance frameworks shaping climate action in Kenya.
Experts urged journalists to go beyond surface-level coverage and instead investigate how environmental decisions affect communities, public resources, and the future of the country.
Throughout the sessions, participants were reminded that journalism plays a central role in helping citizens understand environmental rights, major development projects, and the legal mechanisms available when environmental harm occurs.
Why Environmental Governance Matters
One of the key themes of the training was the importance of governance and constitutional safeguards in environmental decision-making.
Emily Kinama, Head of Strategic Litigation at Katiba Institute, highlighted the importance of proper environmental assessments before major projects are implemented.
She stressed the need for both Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), particularly for projects that could significantly affect entire regions of the country.
“These processes are designed to ensure that environmental consequences are evaluated early and that communities are allowed to raise concerns before projects proceed,” Kinama explained.
Experts at the training noted that environmental governance is not just about protecting ecosystems, but also about safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of communities that depend on land and natural resources.
Courts as Guardians of Environmental Justice
Participants were also taken through examples of how the judiciary has played a key role in protecting environmental rights.
In several instances, courts have stepped in to halt projects that were deemed unprocedural or harmful to communities and the environment.
Among the cases discussed was litigation surrounding the LAPSSET Corridor Project, as well as the landmark ruling that stopped the proposed Lamu Coal Plant.
Legal experts explained that these cases demonstrate how environmental litigation can ensure accountability when development projects fail to meet legal requirements.
For journalists, such cases present opportunities to report on the intersection of law, development and environmental protection.
Media’s Role in Public Awareness
Beyond legal frameworks, trainers emphasized the responsibility of the media in educating the public about environmental governance.
Journalists were encouraged to explain how major environmental projects progress from planning to implementation, including the role of public participation at every stage.
They were also urged to follow environmental litigation and highlight the stories of environmental activists who challenge harmful projects in court.
Experts pointed to the principles outlined in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, particularly Principle 10, which emphasizes three core rights: access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice.
These principles, participants heard, align closely with Kenya’s constitutional framework and reinforce the media’s role in ensuring citizens are informed about projects that may affect their environment.
Demystifying Carbon Credits
Another key topic was climate finance and the growing debate around carbon credits.
Ruth Okara of Namati challenged journalists to improve public understanding of carbon credit systems, which are increasingly becoming part of global climate mitigation efforts.
She explained that a single carbon credit represents one metric tonne of carbon dioxide reduced or removed from the atmosphere.
“Despite their scientific basis, carbon credits have often been misunderstood, with some critics dismissing them as ‘selling air,’” she said. “It is important for you as journalists to understand this information so that you can share it accurately with citizens.”
Experts at the training argued that this misconception has contributed to skepticism around climate finance initiatives.
However, they stressed that carbon credit projects must be implemented responsibly, with transparency and full consultation of communities, particularly where community land is involved.
Recent disputes around carbon projects in Kenya have shown that lack of information and limited community engagement can create conflicts that undermine otherwise viable initiatives.
Encouraging Deeper Climate Reporting
As climate change increasingly shapes global and national policy debates, participants were encouraged to expand their reporting into areas such as environmental litigation, climate finance, and community land governance.
Trainers emphasized that effective climate journalism should not only cover disasters and extreme weather but also examine the policies, institutions and financial systems that influence environmental outcomes.
By doing so, journalists can help the public better understand the complex decisions that affect the country’s environment and development trajectory.
The training concluded with a call for the media to remain vigilant in holding institutions accountable while also ensuring citizens have access to clear, accurate and timely information on environmental matters.
