• The demonstration attracted representatives from various organizations united in their mission to combat climate change and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

On Tuesday November 14, 2023, passionate environmental activists gathered in Nakuru to stage a peaceful protest. Their primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels and agrochemicals derived from fossil fuels.

The protesters highlighted the detrimental environmental impacts of these substances and called for government intervention and the adoption of renewable energy and agroecological practices.

The demonstration attracted representatives from various organizations united in their mission to combat climate change and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Mary Irungu, a member of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya, emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and county governments and other stakeholders.

Mary Irungu addressing the media. (Photo/Courtesy: Ruth Ng'ang'a)

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“Both the national, the county government and all the partners should work in investing more in renewable energy and as well as investing in agroecological practice,” she said.

She urged all parties to invest more resources in renewable energy and agroecological practices. Recognizing that fossil fuels contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, which drive climate change, Mary stressed the need for their prompt elimination as a vital mitigation measure.

Elphas Masanga, representing Slow Food Kenya, joined the protest and called for the Kenyan government to ban certain pesticides and acaricides prohibited in other markets but still used by local farmers.

He highlighted the importance of environmentally friendly farming techniques and encouraged farmers to adopt agroecological practices and renewable energy sources. By doing so, farmers can help reduce environmental pollution and safeguard the health of ecosystems.

Francis Ngiri, a farmer from Kiptangwany, also participated in the peaceful protest. He advocated for the removal of fossil fuel-based agrochemicals and proposed the adoption of traditional pest eradication methods.

Francis emphasized that farmers possess valuable knowledge and techniques passed down through generations, which can be utilized in repelling pests without harmful agrochemicals.

“We farmers have our traditional way of repelling pests from our farms. We should look at that instead of these harmful agrochemicals," Francis said.

The protest in Nakuru is just one of many campaigns undertaken by environmental organizations to advocate for eradicating fossil fuels.