Kenyan Activist Named Among 100 Most Influential in the World by UK Firm

Mithika Mwenda, a Kenyan climate change activist, has been named among the 100 most influential people in the world.

He is the Executive Director of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) — a continental coalition of non-state actors.

Mwenda was recognized for his efforts in influencing climate change policies not only in Kenya but in other African countries.

The list that was released by Apolitical Group Limited(GB) included Pope Francis, Former US Vice President Al Gore Michael Bloomberg who is the CEO of Bloomberg LP among others.

According to the London based organization that ranks global leaders in various fields based on the best governance practices, Mwenda has influenced climate change policy at a national and global level to make it more equitable and pro-poor.

He has been a strong advocate in encouraging politicians in the Global North to support environmentalists’ efforts in the Global South. He also is a frequent speaker at events including the 7th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa, and a co-author of several publications on climate policy such as Carbon Trading in Africa,” read the announcement.

In a statement, Apolitical stated that the list highlights people making the greatest Impact on climate change policy.

PACJA has played a significant role in linking civil society groups with pan-African institutions such as the Pan-African Parliament, the African Union Commission, Nepad, the African Development Bank and UNECA and is currently co-hosting this year’s Africa Climate Week with the UNFCCC in Accra, Ghana.

Mwenda pointed out that the recognition was a great honor to the work that PACJA has done in shaping fair, just and equitable climate policies and action in Africa and globally.

Mwenda, a Ph.D. student at Wits School of Governance in South Africa, represents the African civil society in the committee of the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and also chairs the Collaboration Platform of Climate Research for Development in Africa.