馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Nairobi opens global climate conference with community street-art initiative
via Tuko2 min read
The 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference in Nairobi commenced with a community street art activation, replacing a traditional opening ceremony. Artists created murals depicting visions for Nairobi's future, engaging residents, policymakers, climate experts, and international delegates. Annaclaudia Rossbach of UN-Habitat stated the event strengthens the connection between global institutions and local communities, reflecting Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities. Andy Deacon, Managing Director of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, noted the murals symbolize the conference's mission to connect people, ideas, and climate solutions. Nairobi County officials, including Chief Officer Zipora Mwangi, highlighted the initiative's alignment with Governor Johnson Sakaja鈥檚 vision to integrate the creative economy into urban development and improve public spaces. Joy Mboya, Director of the GoDown Arts Centre, expressed optimism for the initiative's lasting impact and its encouragement of public participation in climate and urban development discussions. This street art activation marks the beginning of the first African edition of Innovate4Cities, hosted at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, aiming to keep residents' voices central to discussions on climate resilience and urban planning.
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Must ReadInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a warning against violent demonstrations ahead of planned June 25 protests, stating that the government will not tolerate criminal conduct. Speaking at Oriwo Boys National School, Omollo clarified that while peaceful picketing and petitioning are protected constitutional rights, demonstrators must be unarmed and respect the rights of others. He emphasized that armed individuals become criminals, and the law is clear on this. Omollo also stated that security agencies will protect citizens who choose not to participate in the demonstrations, ensuring their daily routines are not disrupted. Additionally, he highlighted significant government investments in the education sector under President William Ruto's administration, noting the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past three years and the state's commitment to quality education.
Must ReadThe 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference I4C26 is being held in Nairobi from June 21 to 24, marking the first time this global climate and urban development forum has taken place in Africa. Hosted by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy GCoM and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat, the event brings together over 1,000 global participants, including leaders from government, academia, business, and civil society. Nairobi's selection highlights Kenya's growing role in climate adaptation and urban resilience, particularly for rapidly expanding cities in the Global South. GCoM Co-Managing Director Andy Deacon emphasized the conference's role in bridging climate research and policy implementation, focusing on African leadership and innovation. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl谩udia Rossbach highlighted the importance of investing in adequate housing for resilient communities. Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson expressed pride in hosting the delegation, noting the opportunity to translate climate science into urban policy. The conference features over 100 sessions across five thematic tracks: Multilevel Governance & Partnerships, Housing & Infrastructure, Digitalisation & AI, Justice & Equity, and Finance & Implementation. Key highlights include plenary discussions with mayors, workshops on local government climate financing, and an AI x City Climate Action Hackathon. I4C26 will also host an in-person expert review of the draft Intergovernmental Panel
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has assured the public of comprehensive security measures across Kenya ahead of the June 25 commemorative demonstrations. These protests are planned to honor victims of anti-government demonstrations in 2024 and 2025. Speaking in Mombasa, Lagat emphasized that while police will respect the constitutional right to picket, they will have a zero-tolerance policy towards lawlessness. He warned that any transition from peaceful picketing to vandalism would trigger an immediate law enforcement response. A key focus of the security strategy is preventing organized criminal gangs from infiltrating the demonstrations to loot businesses or assault protestors. Lagat stated that intelligence-led operations have been scaled up nationwide to dismantle these networks before June 25. He urged young people not to be manipulated into violence, declaring that the era of political thuggery is ending. Lagat concluded by reiterating that the public and business owners should proceed with their schedules without fear, as law enforcement remains vigilant to ensure peace.