Kenya hosts Judiciary Climate Change symposium in Nairobi

The Judiciary is today expected to host the Third Regional Symposium on Greening Judiciaries in Africa whose aim is to deliberate on Climate Change in Africa.

The event, which will be officially opened by President William Ruto, will see more than 26 Chief Justices from Africa congregate in Nairobi for three days to discuss the role of the courts in combating climate change and its impacts in Africa.

The symposium, whose theme is “Strengthening the Role of Judiciaries in Addressing Climate Change in Africa,” will be the third to be held in Africa. The first two regional symposiums were held in Johannesburg and Mozambique respectively.

Others expected to attend are; judges, judicial officers, judicial educators, heads of judicial education institutions, practitioners and experts from the continent and beyond. In a welcoming message on the Symposium’s website, Chief Justice Martha Koome states it is crucial people unite as one continent, and speak with one voice to protect and preserve the environment.

“I firmly hold the view that Judiciaries should not be left behind in this fight for our sustainable future. Judiciaries have a role to play in ensuring environmental stewardship, justice, and sustainability for the African continent and our people,” she states.

The CJ notes that the adaptation and mitigation measures required for the continent to respond optimally to climate change require comprehensive, collaborative solutions.

“It is my hope that through this symposium, we can inspire and empower Judiciaries across Africa to champion environmental justice within their respective jurisdictions. Let us use this opportunity to explore innovative jurisprudential, legal and policy approaches; examine emerging best practices on climate change adjudication; and foster partnerships that will drive lasting change,” she states.

According to the Judiciary, the event will also provide a platform for discussion on the experiences, challenges, and potential solutions in the adjudication of climate change claims amongst judges, practitioners, and experts in the field.

“The symposia is anchored on the role of the courts in combating climate change and its impacts in Africa and is intended to provide much needed leadership in terms of policy direction from Chief Justices present on the enhancement of environmental justice, particularly in disputes arising from climate change and its impacts,” reads the statement from the Judiciary.

The Chief Justices Forum on Environmental Law session will interrogate and provide policy and strategic leadership and guidance on how the judiciaries should promote climate change related adjudication in Africa focusing on collaboration between the three arms of government.

“It will be an opportunity to reflect on gains made in integrating environmental law and in particular climate change in judicial training amongst leaders of judicial training institutions,” read the statement.

The  high-level dialogue is also expected to deliberate on key resource, infrastructural and technological constraints that could hinder effective and just adjudication of climate change claims