Africa Climate Summit: Section Of Kenyans Disappointed After Being Locked Out Of Event Despite Accreditation

• Many Kenyans had high hopes of attending the inaugural Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC)
• Despite having received confirmation of their accreditation, a significant number of Kenyan applicants were left disappointed as they were denied badges and locked out of the event
• Shockingly, some Kenyan applicants were turned away even after queuing for hours because they were informed that they were not on the pre-list

A section of Kenyans has complained about being left disappointed after being locked out of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre despite successful online accreditation.

When calls for applications for the summit were made, many Kenyans applied through a portal provided by the summit, and successful applicants received confirmation via emails.

Chaotic scenes at Charter Hall

However, many were left shocked after they were denied badges and locked out of the event after they went to pick up their badges this past weekend.

Experiences of Kenyans shared online also painted a grim picture of the chaotic scenes that played out at Charter Hall in Nairobi, where the badges were being issued.

For starters, Kenyans were made to queue for hours from August 30, when the issuance of badges commenced.

After queuing for hours, a section of Kenyans was turned away after being informed they were not on the pre-list despite receiving emails that their applications were successful.

What is happening at Africa Climate Summit?

Here are some of the complaints that Kenyans made on social media:

Lerry mamaa said:

"I received two emails informing me that I have been accredited to attend the summit, I travelled to Nairobi yesterday to come to pick up my badge as indicated in the email, only to be told that I haven't been approved. Even today, no approval yet."

Josh said:

"I asked the principal for permission to attend the climate change summit for 3 days and without a second thought he approved. On arriving at KICC, I was told my badge may or may not be printed yet I already received an acceptance email and got a permit to be away from work for three days. I'm not going to go back to Tharaka without attending this summit."

Journalist Mwangi Maina said:

"Quite a poor coordination on media badges for personnel covering African Climate Summit. These people never learn."

Reuben M Wambui said:

"You ask people to register for the Climate Summit, grant them accreditation and send emails to collect badges. Only for them to be told at Charter Hall they're not on the "pre-list" approved to get badges. I get it's a strategy to limit Kenyan numbers, but this is totally unethical!"

Onjolo said:

"Sad that some participants failed to get their accreditation badges to the African Youth Climate summit despite having confirmation mails; Hosting an event aint an easy task!"

Collins Orono Etyang said:

"What's your story about getting this accreditation badge for the Africa Climate Summit? Mine has been four sleepless nights."

Ole Polonet said:

"I am so frustrated right now imagine travelling all the way from Kajiado...queue for hours, then being told I am in the system but need an approval, from city hall to the PS environment office, from there I'm told to write a letter addressing the PS to seek approval. Not fair."

Ruto officially opens Africa Climate Summit

President William Ruto officially opened the inaugural Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre and made his keynote address to the thousands of delegates attending the event.

In his address on Monday, September 4, at KICC, Ruto said the summit seeks to position Africa as a key player in the global efforts to fight and mitigate climate change.

The Kenyan leader said Africa has ample renewable energy for its consumption and also contribute to the decarbonisation of the global economy.