Kenya to host inaugural Pan-African Environment, Climate Change and Health Conference in Nairobi from October 21–24

Kenya is set to host the first-ever Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health next week, bringing together global and continental experts to shape Africa’s climate and health agenda.

The four-day event, which will run from October 21 to 24 in Nairobi, will convene policymakers, scientists, and innovators under the theme “Harnessing Science, Policy and Partnerships for Environmental Sustainability and Climate and Health Resilience.”

Organizers say the meeting will provide a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration on the continent’s most pressing challenges climate change, environmental degradation, and their direct impact on human health.

“This is a defining moment for Kenya and Africa to engage in open discussions on issues that cut across all sectors health, economy, and sustainable development,” said Dr. Charles Lange, Director of Environmental Services at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and conference co-chair.

The conference, jointly organized by NEMA, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, will also feature contributions from the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Africa CDC, and other key partners.

According to Mr. Lolem Lokolile Bosco from the Ministry of Health, who co-chairs the national steering committee, the meeting marks a historic collaboration between health and environment sectors on the Pan-African stage.

“For the first time, we’re seeing these two sectors coming together under one continental platform,” Bosco said. “Climate change is a major threat to health and a barrier to achieving universal health coverage in Africa.”

During the conference, Kenya will officially launch its Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024–2029) and unveil the Nairobi Living Declaration, which will guide policy action and partnerships. The symbolic Climate Action Torch will also be handed over to future host nations.

Conference secretary Ms. Anne Irungu of ARIN said more than 600 delegates from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas are expected, alongside over 60 speakers and 14 exhibitors showcasing innovations in clean energy, waste management, and climate resilience.

Key sponsors include the Wellcome Trust, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), ELHRA (UK), and TNO (Netherlands), with local partners such as the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).

Ms. Caroline Muthoni of the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development, representing CHANCE, described the event as a turning point for Africa’s climate-health collaboration.

“This is the first time we have a unique opportunity to break silos between sectors like environment, health, agriculture, and transport all of which shape public wellbeing,” she said.

Organizers also confirmed that youth, community groups, and early-career researchers will play an active role, with the final day dedicated to field-based learning and community innovation showcases.

The conference will conclude with the adoption of a declaration highlighting Africa’s collective climate-health priorities ahead of COP30 in Brazil, reinforcing the continent’s unified voice in global negotiations.