Voices of Change: Thousands Rally For Climate Justice and Protection of Forests
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 22– The street march dubbed ” Draw the Line, Save Our Forests ” held on September 20 2025 brought together over 1,000 people in a vibrant multicultural parade and festival in demanding climate justice and protection of Kenyan forests.
Organized by Greenpeace Africa in partnership with 350.org, Oxfam Kenya and the Laudato Si Movement, the campaign began at The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Langata Road through to Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) showcasing Multicultural performances, storytelling and Africa-led climate solutions and marking 10 years since the Paris Agreement.
Ahead of COP30, the march showcased a continent wide virtual strava action set to unite voices across the continent.
The Draw The Line campaign by climate activists takes part in mass rallies, strikes, walkouts and artistic interventions to rise up againsts injustice, pollution and violence and demand a future built on peace, equality, clean energy and fairness.
“We’ve had enough of climate inaction and rising inequality, we’ve had enough of suffering whilst billionaires get richer”, they said.
Sherie Gakii of Greenpeace Africa noted that the march comes at a critical time when public forests are under threats from projects development.
“We’ve seen threats in Karura, Imenti, Aberdere and even plans to cut off land in Suam for a border town, Public forests are not private property and we must rise up in one voice that enough is enough and we must defende them”, stated Gakii.
“Kenya cannot continue to boast of its plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 while destroying the forests we already have”.
Hillary Ogina, Program Officer for extractives at Oxfam Kenya commended youth voices in Climate activism.
“We are proud to showcase voices of youth who are directly impacted by climate change, Notable Africa contributes less than 20% of global emissions but suffers more than 90% of the impacts, Our call for Africa-led, Africa centered climate policies”.
Additionally, Faith leaders led by Father Francis Mbuvi of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) initiative said protecting nature is a moral obligation.
“If we don’t care for Mother Earth, it will respond mercilessly to us We are advocating for fairness and justice, moving away from petroleum dependency and embracing tree planting for future generations”, said Father Mbuvi.
Kenya’s forests and national parks continue to face invasion from state projects and private investment which has spark public outcry from conservationists.
The construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in 2018 by Kenya Railways through Nairobi National Park, a move which experts say threatens the wildlife ecosystem.
Further, the Aberdare Forest in Central Kenya remains at risk from a planned road project that would split it in two though in April 2024 the Environment and Land Court in Nyeri halted construction of the controversial 52-kilometer Mau Mau Road after lobby groups challenged it.
Climate activists and conservationists in Meru County have opposed government plans to hive off part of Imenti Forest for a state lodge and golf course, while in Ngong Road Forest, both a proposed commuter rail project and alleged land grabbing by a senior government officials reportedly for luxury hotel camps.
“Profits have been prioritized over humans,nature and the whole ecosystem, As we speak Ngong forest is facing rapid destruction due to infrastructure projects We must hold our leaders accountable”.
They warn that such developments undermine climate goals and threaten Kenya’s natural heritage.
“Our forests are facing severe land grabbing and degradation, We need to act now to protect this vital ecosystem let’s join forces to demand action from our leaders and safeguard Mau forest, Karura forest and Ngong forest”.
They reiterated that they will sustain public pressure on the government to protect forests and honor climate commitments.
“We want a sustainable future for all a world where we can speak up for our rights, where people and nature are safe and where big polluters pay to fix the climate crisis, Our future belongs to us”.
