In a landmark show of solidarity, a section of Kenya’s Maasai community from Kajiado County has thrown its weight behind the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, joining multisectoral voices from across the country urging the Kenyan government to support the global initiative.
The announcement comes in the lead-up to World Environment Day, marking a significant moment for climate justice efforts in Africa.
This makes the Maasai the first Indigenous Peoples in Africa to officially back the treaty, aligning themselves with 11 Indigenous nations from the Amazon and adding to the growing chorus of global support.
The Fossil Fuel Treaty is a bold international proposal advocating for a legally binding framework to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate a just, fair, and financed transition to renewable energy.
Currently, 16 nations are engaged in discussions on the treaty, alongside over 130 cities and subnational governments—including Lilongwe and Freetown—over 1,000 parliamentarians from 96 countries, and more than 4,000 organizations including the World Health Organization and the European Parliament.
Stakeholders from civil society, interfaith communities, Indigenous groups, youth networks, and environmental organizations are urging Kenya, long viewed as a regional leader in renewable energy, to join the bloc of countries shaping the treaty’s framework.
“It’s time for a global plan to supplement the Paris Agreement by tackling the root cause of the crisis,” said Frederick Njehu, Global Political Lead at Greenpeace Africa. “Kenya is already a renewable energy leader. Supporting the Fossil Fuel Treaty would amplify its voice globally and bring the resources needed to deepen the transition.”
Maasai community leader and environmentalist Moses Ole Kipaliash spoke passionately about the devastating effects of climate change on pastoralist livelihoods.
“The rains have become unpredictable, the land is drying, and our livestock are dying. We support this treaty to protect our land and ensure a future for our children,” he said, urging other communities to join the global movement.
Faith-based organizations have also rallied behind the initiative. Hakeem Khalid, Environment and Climate Change Lead at the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), highlighted the moral and spiritual imperative of environmental protection.
“As faith communities, we have a duty to protect creation. Fossil fuels are the primary drivers of climate change. The Treaty offers a path to a safe and clean future for all.”
Youth voices echoed this urgency. Muthoni Kariuki, President of Green Age Warriors and Miss Tourism Africa 2022, called on the government to act boldly.
“Our futures are at stake. We need solutions rooted in justice. Backing the Fossil Fuel Treaty would be a powerful step for Kenya to protect youth and future generations.”
According to Prince Papa, Africa Campaigner for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Kenya has a unique opportunity to shape the global mechanism and ensure it reflects the needs of climate-vulnerable regions.
“Kenya’s ambition of 100 percent renewable energy aligns perfectly with the goals of the Treaty. By joining the discussions, Kenya can unlock international finance and technology to bolster its transition,” he stated.
The treaty is anchored on three main pillars:
Non-proliferation – halting the expansion of new fossil fuel projects.
Fair phase-out – requiring wealthy nations to wind down fossil fuel production first and fastest.
Just transition – ensuring equitable access to renewable energy, with financing and technology support for developing countries.
As climate impacts escalate, particularly in vulnerable nations like Kenya, the push for a Fossil Fuel Treaty continues to gather global traction.
Advocates hope that Kenya will join the list of nations at the negotiating table and help shape a treaty aimed at securing a just, safe, and sustainable future for all.