BIG3 Africa

12/06/2026

🌍 Kenya is putting climate action at the center of its 2026/27 budget.

With Sh124.8 billion allocated to environmental protection, water infrastructure, forestry, climate adaptation, and disaster preparedness, the government is making one of its biggest climate commitments yet.

But with devastating floods, prolonged droughts, and growing environmental challenges affecting communities nationwide, many are asking: Is it enough to meet the scale of the crisis?

Read our full breakdown of what the budget means for Kenya's climate future and the challenges that lie ahead.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/12/kenya-stakes-sh124-8bn-on-climate-action-as-crisis-deepens/

Kenya has committed Sh124.8 billion to climate action in the 2026/27 budget, making environmental resilience a key national priority. The funding targets water infrastructure, forest restoration, carbon markets, climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and agricultural resilience.

12/06/2026

🌧️ El Niño Could Bring Different Weather Patterns Across Kenya

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the effects of El Niño will not be felt equally across the country. While some regions may experience below-average rainfall, others could see increased precipitation and a higher risk of flooding later in the year.

KMD is encouraging farmers, county governments, and communities to stay informed through official weather updates and begin preparedness planning early.

Being prepared today can help reduce losses tomorrow.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/12/kmd-forecast-el-nino-will-bring-mixed-weather-conditions-across-kenya/

The Kenya Met Department has forecast that El Niño will bring varying weather conditions across the country, with some regions experiencing below-average rainfall while others receive increased precipitation. Experts are urging communities, farmers, and county governments to prepare early for the h...

12/06/2026

🌧️ El Niño Is Back — And Preparation Matters More Than Ever

Climate experts are closely monitoring the newly declared El Niño event, which could become one of the strongest in recent years.

In East Africa, past El Niño events have brought intense rainfall, flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption. While the exact impacts will vary, experts say early warning systems and preparedness measures can help protect communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

The time to prepare is before the rains arrive.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/12/el-nino-starts-putting-preparedness-efforts-in-focus/

The arrival of El Niño has renewed global preparedness efforts as forecasters warn the climate phenomenon could strengthen into a very strong event by late 2026. Experts are urging governments and communities to use advanced forecasts to prepare for potential floods, infrastructure damage, disease ...

12/06/2026

Kenya's Indigenous Seeds Could Hold the Key to Future Food Security

Farmers and conservation groups are calling for stronger legal protection of indigenous seeds as the country drafts new seed laws.

With more than 30 traditional crop varieties lost in some communities over the past two decades, preserving local seeds is becoming increasingly important for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and affordable access to seeds for small-scale farmers.

The proposed reforms aim to protect farmers' rights while strengthening community seed banks across the country.

🌱 Protecting seeds today means protecting food for future generations.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/12/seed-savers-push-to-protect-indigenous-seeds-as-kenya-revises-seed-laws

James Wakibia

11/06/2026

When floods hit Nairobi's informal settlements, persons with disabilities often face challenges that go far beyond rising waters.

From losing essential mobility aids to facing inaccessible evacuation routes and increased risks of harassment, many are left to navigate disasters with little support.

This powerful story highlights why inclusive infrastructure and disability-sensitive disaster planning are critical for protecting lives and livelihoods.

Read the full story and join the conversation on building a more inclusive and resilient Nairobi.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/11/how-nairobis-poor-infrastructure-fails-persons-with-disabilities/

Persons with disabilities in Nairobi's informal settlements face disproportionate risks during floods due to poor infrastructure, inaccessible emergency response systems, and inadequate disaster preparedness. As climate-related disasters intensify, advocates are calling for inclusive planning, impro...

10/06/2026

🌍 Kenya has secured USD 700,000 in climate loss and damage support from the Santiago Network, becoming the first country in Africa to benefit from the initiative.

The funding will help document and analyse the impacts of climate change over the last ten years, providing valuable data to guide future adaptation and resilience efforts.

As droughts, floods, and extreme weather events continue to affect communities across the country, this support marks an important step toward building a more climate-resilient future.
UN Global Climate Action Awards

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/10/kenya-secures-usd-700000-climate-loss-and-damage-support/

09/06/2026

A controversial US$50 billion proposal to redirect water from the Congo River Basin could revive the shrinking lake, but critics warn it may trigger serious environmental consequences elsewhere.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/09/can-redirecting-the-congo-river-bring-lake-chad-back-to-life/

09/06/2026

A new study reveals that mining activities linked to cobalt, copper, lithium, and other green minerals are accelerating deforestation.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/09/africas-green-mineral-boom-fuels-hidden-deforestation-crisis/

09/06/2026

Millions of people depend on Lake Chad for fishing, farming, livestock, and daily life. But as the lake continues to shrink, a bold proposal to redirect water from the Congo River is gaining renewed attention. Could this massive engineering project save one of Africa’s most important lakes, or would it create new environmental risks? Read the full story and join the conversation.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/09/can-redirecting-the-congo-river-bring-lake-chad-back-to-life/

Lake Chad has lost nearly 90% of its surface area, threatening the livelihoods of more than 40 million people across Central and West Africa. A controversial US$50 billion proposal to redirect water from the Congo River Basin could revive the shrinking lake, but critics warn it may trigger serious e...

09/06/2026

The minerals powering electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines are helping the world move away from fossil fuels. Yet new research shows that mining for these critical resources is causing extensive forest loss across Africa.

As demand for cobalt, copper, lithium, and graphite grows, experts are calling for stronger environmental safeguards to ensure the green transition does not come at the expense of Africa’s ecosystems.

READ: https://big3africa.org/2026/06/09/africas-green-mineral-boom-fuels-hidden-deforestation-crisis

Africa’s growing role in supplying critical minerals for the global clean energy transition is coming at a significant environmental cost. A new study reveals that mining activities linked to cobalt, copper, lithium, and other green minerals are accelerating deforestation across some of the contin...