Environmental Justice in Resource-Rich African Nations: A Theoretical Framework for Kenya

Environmental justice movements in resource-rich African nations are gaining traction as communities struggle with pollution, deforestation, and climate change impacts exacerbated by unequal access to resources. Kenya exemplifies this challenge, where environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as indigenous populations and low-income urban dwellers. The theoretical framework is developed using a systematic review approach, integrating existing literature on environmental justice, sustainability policies, and local community engagement in Kenya. The analysis draws from various case studies to highlight commonalities and unique aspects of environmental injustice across different regions and sectors. This theoretical framework underscores the need for comprehensive policy reforms in Kenya aimed at balancing environmental protection with equitable resource distribution, particularly focusing on strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing public participation mechanisms. Recommendations include advocating for stricter enforcement of existing environmental laws, fostering collaborative stakeholder engagement, and integrating environmental justice principles into broader development strategies to ensure sustainable and just outcomes.