Patrick Kiarie, We Don’t Have Time Kenya Representative
As COP30 concluded in Brazil, the global climate movement We Don’t Have Time marked the final day with celebrations in Nairobi, where its Kenya Chapter hosted a two week-long watch party that turned global negotiations into grassroots engagement.
The event brought together hundreds of young people who could not travel to Brazil, providing them with computers, high-speed internet, live broadcasts from the COP, and a platform to interact, question, and learn from global climate discussions.
“We Don’t Have Time” — A Call for Urgent Action
Patrick Kiarie, the African representative of We Don’t Have Time, said the organisation’s mission is rooted in urgency.
“We think we have time, but the effects of climate change are already so huge. That is why we work to salvage our world. Today, I represent not just Kenya, but the African region.”
We Don’t Have Time uses three flagship tools to mobilize climate action:
Climate Cloud – sharing knowledge and best practices
Climate Ideas – amplifying workable solutions
Climate Warning – raising the alarm on harmful environmental practices
“We tell people: alone we cannot win, but together we can,” Kiarie added. “Our motto is to find real solutions to the climate crisis.”
Democratizing Access to COP30
The Kenya Chapter’s watch party—an annual tradition since 2020—ran from November 11 to 21 at a local conference centre. Each day, youth followed live proceedings from Brazil and engaged in discussions with environmental experts.
“We are grateful that We Don’t Have Time enabled us to participate virtually,” said Edwin Nyaguthii, from the Partnerships and Community Outreach Department. “Most Kenyan youth cannot afford to attend COP in person. But through the watch party, the organisation gave us the infrastructure, screens, and internet we needed to follow every panel and negotiation.”
Africa: Not Charity, But Strategy
Reflecting on Africa’s role at COP30, Nyaguthii said African negotiators were clear and firm.
“Financing Africa is not charity—it is a strategy,” she said. “Africa contributes the least to global emissions, yet suffers the worst impacts. This is our time. We deserve respect, resources, and investment.”
Her sentiments echoed what many African youth expressed throughout the watch party: that the continent must lead with solutions, not wait to be rescued.
Youth: The Driving Force of Climate Messaging
According to Zendan Nyambura, a member of We Don’t Have Time Kenya, science must shape climate policymaking.
“We believe in science because it helps us test, predict, and understand what we must do to address climate change,” she said. “Science is the backbone of climate solutions.”
She emphasized the vital role of young people, particularly through digital platforms.
“Most youth use social media. It is the fastest and most effective way to spread climate information,” she explained. “Through social media, youths can share solutions, educate each other, and push for change.”
From Inspiration to Responsibility
Over the 10 days, young attendees said the watch party broadened their understanding of climate negotiations and motivated them to take personal responsibility.
“When youth come to these watch parties, they learn and feel empowered to fight climate change,” Nyaguthii noted. “This is our only planet. There is no Planet B. What we do today determines the inheritance we leave behind.”
A Strong Finish to COP30
As the Nairobi watch party wrapped up, organizers said the goal had been achieved: ensuring Kenyan and African youth had a strong, informed, and united voice in climate action.
“We don’t have time,” Kiarie reminded the crowd. “But together, we have the power to win, for our climate, our communities, and future generations.”