JKIA Delays Spark Uproar from Stranded Foreigners

Tanzanian climate activists decried restrictions by the Kenyan Immigration Department at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The activists from the Rise Up Movement Africa were on their way to Dubai, through Kenya, to attend the COP 28 summit in the United Arab Emirates – UAE.

“The Kenyan immigration is stopping our activists from traveling to COP 28. The reason is that the free COP visa issued by UAE is now invalid, yet others have used it,’ Rise up movement Tanzania said in a statement.

Further, the climate change organization shared photos of the frustrated activists stranded at JKIA with their luggage, sparking mixed reactions from netizens. 

German climate activist, Luisa Neubauer was among those who condemned the incident. 

“It’s the job of the COP 28 UAE to ensure accessibility, especially for those coming from the most affected areas,” Luisa noted.

Furthermore, the climate activists were frustrated that they missed their flights.

“As a result, we missed our flights, and they are now asking 250 USD for a new visa for each person,” the Rise up Movement Tanzania noted.

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“It is saddening that they are preventing youths from sharing their experiences on a world platform,” the activists further cited in a bout of frustration.

Climate Activists Call on Kenyan Govt After JKIA Frustrations

Vanessa Nakate, the founder of the climate activist movement, called upon the Kenyan government to act promptly and address the matter. 

“We need your help in asking the Kenyan immigration to allow them to board the next flight to Dubai. Please share their message,” Vanessa noted, tagging relevant authorities such as the Kenyan immigration department, the United Arab Emirates embassy to Dares Salaam, United Climate Change.

Notably, the United Climate Change is the organizer of the COP 28. Additionally, she tagged the US Climate Envoy, John Kerry, and COP 28.

As at the moment of publishing this article, none of the authorities had addressed the matter. 

About the COP 28 event

The UN Conference of Parties (COP) 28 summit is a mega climate event where delegates are set to gather for the annual climate change summit from November 30 to December 12.

Also Read: Govt Gives Update on JKIA After Uproar

Similarly, at the event, countries will also face the first review of their progress towards the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty on limiting carbon emissions that was signed at the COP21, almost eight years ago.

Further, the COP 28 will take place on the backdrop of floods and heatwaves, deadly wildfires and the Earth’s hottest summer on record this year.

Additionally, the event is considered an opportunity for countries to stop the effects of climate change by devising improved targets and measures.