Kenyans support ban on logging for firewood, charcoal, survey shows

Kenyans want the government to invest more in climate-resilient infrastructure in response to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation, a new survey has shown.

The latest Afrobarometer survey shows 82 per cent of Kenyans support the idea while 62 per cent favour investments in solar and wind energy.

A majority of those surveyed, 74 per cent, also want the government to pressure rich countries to provide resources to support Kenya's response and mitigation of climate change effects.

Some 54 per cent of those polled supported a ban on cutting down trees for firewood or charcoal while fewer than half said the government should require families to switch to stoves that use cleaner fuels such as electricity or gas.

They also want the government to promote taxis or buses that run on electricity.

The survey, led by the University of Nairobi's Institute of Development Studies, found that many Kenyans have adapted to changing weather patterns by reducing their livestock or adopting new grazing patterns.

Others have changed the crops they plant, the food they eat, their working hours and their water consumption.

"About 61 per cent of Kenyans have heard of climate change. Of those, 82 per cent believe human activity is the main cause or contributing factor to climate change," the survey says.

Co-National Investigator Dr Oscar Otele of the UoN's Institute of Development Studies while presenting the report said most citizens who are aware of the phenomenon say urgent action is needed from the Kenyan government as well as developed countries.

"83 per cent of those who have heard of climate change said wealthy countries must help Kenya fund its response to climate change with 74 per cent of Kenyans saying the government should put more pressure on rich countries to provide resources to support the response," he said.

Some 82 per cent of the respondents want the government to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that withstands the effects of floods and droughts.

Another 62 per cent want clean energy like solar and wind energy in response to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation. 54 per cent support a ban on logging for firewood or charcoal.

Dr Otele said those who live in rural areas and poorer citizens were more likely to undertake these changes than their urban and wealthier counterparts.

Afrobarometer is a Pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance and quality of life. It has completed nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries since 1999.

Their national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. The team in Kenya, led by the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi, interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2,400 adult Kenyans in April-May 2024 for the study.