POLICY PAPER 2025 Leaving No One Behind: Advancing a Human Rights-Based Approach to Climate Change in Kenya​.​

The policy brief presents condensed and in-depth findings on a survey undertaken by the Commission on policy and legislative interventions for climate change in Kenya with a focus on Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMGs) at National and County Level. The pilot survey was carried out in five counties- Makueni, Taita Taveta, Nakuru, Samburu, and Kirinyaga. The survey was meant to establish the availability and extent to which existing climate change interventions including policies, laws, programs and administrative action are conform with human rights principles and standards.

It provides a summary of key overall findings, the harms of climate change on human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, life, highest attainable standard of health, water and sanitation, adequate food, adequate housing, land and natural resources, education, culture, work and to just and favourable conditions of work, social security, freedom and security of the person - particularly for Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMGs).

The policy also outlines the importance of Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to climate change response, emphasizing on access to information, accountability and transparency and inclusion of VMGs in climate action.

The document equally, provides targeted and actional recommendations to various actors including national and county governments, council of governors, county governments, civil society, private sector actors and members of the public. Download Report

County-Specific Human Rights and Climate Change Matrix and Justification for Selected Project Counties

The document provides a county-specific analysis of how climate change affects the realization of human rights in five counties: Makueni, Taita Taveta, Nakuru, Samburu, and Kirinyaga. Developed using a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), it draws on field visits, stakeholder consultations, and policy review. It highlights how climate-induced events such as floods, droughts, and displacement impact key rights including water, health, food, housing, and cultural rights - particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups like women, children, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and older persons. Each county presents unique challenges: Makueni excels in governance but lacks inclusive communication; Taita Taveta contends with mining-related rights tensions; Samburu faces resource conflict; Nakuru is affected by frequent displacement; and Kirinyaga struggles with water conflicts and land tenure issues. The document identifies systemic gaps and best practices, emphasizing the need for inclusive, rights-aligned climate governance that translates policy into action through HRBA principles. Download Report