*Kenya to Host Landmark Pan-African Conference on Climate, Environment and Health

Kenya to Host Landmark Pan-African Conference on Climate, Environment and Health

Experts and policymakers during a press briefing in Nairobi ahead of the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change, and Health.

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI 

The County Diary News

Kenya is set to host the first-ever Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change, and Health, a groundbreaking event that will bring together experts, policymakers, and innovators from across the continent to strengthen Africa’s resilience to the climate crisis.

The four-day conference, scheduled for October 21–24, 2025, will take place at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, Nairobi, and is co-chaired by Dr. Charles Lange, Acting Director of Environmental Services at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Lolem Lokolilebosko from the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Lange described the conference as a “historic platform for Africa to link health and environment science to policy and action.” He emphasized the urgency of collaboration across sectors, noting that the continent faces severe challenges from pollution, rising temperatures, and ecosystem loss that threaten both health and development.

The event will convene over 600 delegates and 60 speakers from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, alongside 14 exhibitors showcasing climate-smart innovations. Convening partners include NEMA, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, KEMRI, ARIN, the CHANCE Network, and Africa CDC, with support from international partners such as Wellcome Trust, IDRC, and TNO.

A major highlight will be the launch of the Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy 2024–2029, which adopts a “Health in All Policies” approach—urging every sector, from agriculture to housing, to consider the health implications of their actions.

According to Lokolilebosko, the collaboration comes at a time when climate impacts threaten Africa’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. “We need stronger systems to prevent, adapt, and respond,” she said.

The conference will culminate with the unveiling of the Nairobi Living Declaration and the Climate Action Torch, symbolizing Africa’s unified voice ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

By bridging science, policy, and community innovation, Kenya’s hosting of this landmark event underscores Africa’s readiness to lead in building a climate-resilient, healthier future.