Deputy President's spouse Joyce Kithure during an event in Kibra on June 5, 2026/HANDOUT
Spouse of the Deputy President, Dr Joyce Kithure, has called for stronger collective action to confront the worsening climate crisis, urging citizens, government institutions and communities to recognise that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
Kithure said climate change is no longer a distant global concern but a present reality already being felt across Kenya through shifting weather patterns, rising health risks, and disruptions to food systems and livelihoods.
She was speaking during the World Environment Day 2026 clean-up exercise in Kibra, Nairobi, where she served as the chief guest.
This year’s theme, she noted, carries a strong global call for urgent and sustained climate action.
“This day reminds us that the climate crisis is not a distant challenge; it is here with us, shaping our weather patterns, our health, our food systems and our livelihoods,” she said.
Kithure emphasised that while the challenges are significant, the solutions remain within reach if communities and leaders act decisively and consistently.
“It also reminds us that solutions are within our reach if we act together, decisively and consistently,” she added, stressing that environmental conservation must be embedded in daily choices and national planning.
The clean-up exercise brought together youth groups, residents, environmental stakeholders and local leaders in what Kithure described as a demonstration of shared responsibility and civic commitment.
“We gather in Kibra today not only for a clean-up exercise, but as a demonstration of shared responsibility,” she said.
She further underscored that a clean environment is fundamental to dignity, public health and sustainable development.
According to her, proper waste management, reduced pollution and protection of natural ecosystems directly contribute to climate action while improving quality of life.
“When we manage waste responsibly, reduce pollution, and protect our surroundings, we are directly contributing to climate action and improving the quality of life for our communities,” she said.
Kithure, who is the founder of SaVE Communities (Science Adding Value to the Environment and the Communities), highlighted ongoing efforts by the initiative to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to address environmental and social challenges.
She noted that over the past year, SaVE Communities has conducted clean-up exercises in several informal settlements including Dandora and Kawangware, working closely with residents, youth groups and local stakeholders.
“These engagements have shown us that when communities are empowered, they do not wait for change, they create it,” she said.
Kithure urged Kenyans to adopt simple but impactful environmental practices such as reducing waste, avoiding littering, recycling materials and protecting natural resources.
“Small actions, when multiplied across communities, create powerful change,” she observed.
Beyond clean-up campaigns, she said SaVE Communities has expanded its focus to climate-resilient and smart agriculture programmes aimed at strengthening food security and improving household incomes.
The initiative is training farmers on modern agricultural practices designed to increase productivity while reducing vulnerability to climate shocks.
Kithure said this integrated approach, linking environmental conservation with economic empowerment, is key to addressing both poverty and climate change at the same time.
“This integrated approach linking environmental care with economic empowerment is key to addressing both poverty and climate change simultaneously,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to continue working with communities across the country to advance environmental awareness and practical climate solutions, calling on all Kenyans to take ownership of the fight against climate change.
