National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged African Parliaments to embrace the Climate Change agenda through robust legislation.
Wetang'ula emphasised that Parliaments could play a pivotal in mitigating the impacts of climate change and expressed concern about the underutilisation of the potential.
"Parliaments across Africa hold the key to the success of the climate change agenda. You must be fiercely and viciously patriotic while dealing with legislation related to climate change matters," he said.
The Speaker made the remarks during the Climate Change Summit Parliamentary Dialogue.
Highlighting Kenya's proactive stance, he stated "Kenyan Parliament has taken a lead in climate change matters by passing progressive Climate Change Bill that has been assented to by the President."
He also extended an offer to share copies of the legislation with willing Parliaments.
Wetang'ula emphasised that Parliaments are central to executing the climate change agenda, as the Executive and major stakeholders, including donors, rely on legislation passed by lawmakers to implement initiatives aimed at combatting the crisis.
"Parliaments must appropriate adequate resources for the adoption and implementation of the climate change agenda across the continent," he said.
Addressing the environmental injustices suffered by the African continent, the Speaker said: "Africa pollutes less but suffers most. Those who pollute the most have treated Africa with extreme dishonour."
He called for unity among African nations to confront oppressors.
Wetang'ula stressed the need for African leaders to transition from despair to hope, stating that the Climate Change Summit has provided a timely opportunity for Africa to set the climate change agenda and act decisively.
He concluded by reaffirming the Kenyan Parliament's commitment to the Nairobi Climate Change declaration, echoing the resounding message that Africa is resolute in addressing the matter.
