The Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme is coming to a close after five transformative years of championing inclusive, locally-led climate solutions across Kenya, Bolivia, Brazil, Indonesia, Paraguay, Zambia, and the Netherlands.  

Funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya through Wereld Natuur Fonds - WWF, and implemented by a powerful alliance including WWF, Hivos East Africa, Akina Mama wa Afrika, Fundación Avina, Muungano wa Wanavijiji, and SouthSouthNorth, the programme has united global and local voices to drive just climate action. 

Global achievements at a glance: 

• 247 partners engaged 
• 130+ climate solutions supported 
• 485,924 hectares under restoration 
• Over 2 million people positively impacted 
• 50% of solutions were nature-based 
• 38% enhanced food security 
• 37% improved access to water and sanitation 
• 20% restored forests and ecosystems 

Kenya’s story: community-led climate action in motion 

In Kenya, WWF-Kenya partnered with 13 organizations across eight counties to amplify community voices, build climate resilience, and influence policy. The results have been both inspiring and impactful: 

Devolved climate finance: Over 55 Ward Climate Change Planning Committees (WCCPCs) were established in Nakuru, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Samburu, and Garissa counties. A dedicated WCCPCs Facilitators Manual was developed to guide capacity building and ensure sustainability. 

Rangeland restoration: In Baringo County, 20 acres of degraded land in Kiborgoch Conservancy were restored through reseeding. Marsabit County saw over 572 hectares actively restored the the community-led RAMAT model, which also saved over 13,000 indigenous trees. 

Climate-smart agriculture: A 20-acre climate-smart farm was established in Shurr Conservancy, Marsabit, with 9 acres under sorghum, watermelon, and onion cultivation. In Samburu, climate-smart agriculture initiatives helped diversify livelihoods beyond pastoralism. 

Clean energy transitions: In Kilifi County, three schools transitioned from traditional three-stone fires to improved institutional cookstoves. Additionally, 60 households in Shurr, Marsabit adopted energy-saving jikos. 

Policy influence: Eight climate-related frameworks were developed, including the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027), Climate Change Amendment Act 2023, and county-level policies in Nakuru, Garissa, Kilifi, and Kajiado. 

Capacity strengthening: Thirteen local CSOs were empowered to influence climate processes at the county level, ensuring that community voices remain central in climate governance. 

Looking ahead 

In August, VCA alliance partners gathered in Nairobi to reflect on the journey, celebrate achievements, and explore pathways for sustaining community-led climate action. The programme may be ending, but its legacy lives on through empowered communities, strengthened institutions, and a growing movement for climate justice.