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Africa SpeakingAuthor: Twaweza Communications
The Podcast discusses political, economic, social, cultural and environmental issues affecting the African continent while at the same time delving into particular national and regional concerns. The podcast presents an opportunity for knowledge sharing and learning, and gives priority to African voices from the continent and the diaspora Language: en Genres: Government, History Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Faith-Fueled Climate Action: Mwangaza Light's Holistic Approach to Energy Poverty and Environmental Stewardship
Episode 19
Thursday, 21 August, 2025
Faith-Fueled Climate Action: Mwangaza Light's Holistic Approach to Energy Poverty and Environmental StewardshipIn this episode, we hear from Pauline Mwangi, the Deputy CEO of Mwangaza Light a dynamic faith-based social enterprise driving climate action since 2018 across multiple Kenyan counties.Pauline illuminates their unique strategy of partnering with churches and mosques to embed climate solutions directly within religious communities.She explains their vision to eradicate energy poverty by integrating climate action into existing faith structures through a powerful three-pronged approach: "Preach Green," "Going Green," and "Growing Green.""Preach Green" involves training clergy in Eco-theology, empowering them to deliver sermons that connect spiritual teachings with environmental stewardship."Going Green" champions the adoption of clean cooking solutions and solar-powered backups within churches and households, directly reducing reliance on polluting biomass fuels and noisy generators. "Growing Green" actively advocates against deforestation, promoting sustainable alternatives like electric cooking to mitigate harmful emissions and preserve natural resources.Pauline details the tangible benefits of their initiatives, emphasizing customer-friendly costs and flexible payment systems that make clean energy accessible.She highlights the immense potential of faith networks as catalysts for societal change. She underscores patience as a crucial lesson in fostering behavior change, noting the positive shift in congregants' willingness to contribute to environmental conservation.Pauline also identifies a significant opportunity for climate mitigation within church-affiliated institutions like schools and hospitals, which can transition from biomass to more efficient energy methods.She addresses critical policy gaps, pointing out the ambitious yet currently unmet goals of Kenya's Clean Cooking Strategy 2020-2028, and calls for greater awareness and supportive policies to accelerate universal access to clean cooking.
