Nairobi, Kenya – In recent times, climate-induced mobility has become increasingly evident. In Kenya alone, hundreds of thousands of people are forced to migrate or are displaced because of adverse changes in climate that are degrading ecosystems, reducing crop yields, destroying livelihoods and habitable areas including basic infrastructure. Kenya has been severely affected by climate-related challenges such as the long droughts, desertification, flash floods, and the invasion of desert locusts.

"Climate action is not a Global North issue or a Global South issue. It is our collective challenge, and it affects all of us. We need to come together to find common, global solutions,” remarks made by His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya at the opening of the historical Africa Climate Summit.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM/UN Migration) has been working closely with the Governments of Kenya and Uganda in rallying African Member States to recognize and address the nexus between human mobility and climate change in Africa. This collaborative initiative led to the development of the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change which has been signed by fifteen countries in East and Horn of Africa. This Declaration is the first of its kind, a Member State–led, comprehensive and action-oriented framework aimed at addressing climate-induced mobility in practical and effective ways.

“We must move from policy to practice and achieve tangible results that immediately benefit migrants and other groups who are adversely impacted by climate change” says Ms Dimanche Sharon, Chief of Mission, IOM Kenya.

Moreover, more African Union Member States have expressed their interest in the expansion of the Declaration to address climate change and mobility in Africa. If signed and agreed upon during the Africa Climate Summit, Africa will have a unified statement ahead of the Conference of Parties (COP 28) to be held in the United Arab Emirates in November 2023.  

IOM will continue to partner with development partners and practitioners and commits to supporting the implementation of comprehensive policy frameworks such as the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change, which clearly articulates the challenges, opportunities, and priorities of African Member States.