African Religious Value of Solidarity, the Way for Environmental Conservation: A Case of Kenya’s Kakamega Forest

Standing in solidarity with and for the Earth is crucial for ecological conservation and preservation, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental crises such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Historically, solidarity empowered nations, to achieve significant milestones, including independence across Africa. However, current negligence of our Mother earth has led to severe consequences, including food insecurity and natural disasters, causing significant distress to the planet. This paper advocated for solidarity in the integration of Indigenous African knowledge as a powerful remedy for environmental degradation. African indigenous values, rooted in community unity and solidarity, have proven effective over time. Africans believed that taking care of their environment demanded solidarity with the living, the dead, the unborn and with flora and fauna. This traditional societies therefore emphasized collective responsibility for the environment, fostering teachings that were passed down through generations. For instance, the Luhya community in Kenya exemplified this approach through their commitment to conserving Kakamega Forest, the last remaining tropical rainforest in the country. This article explored the Luhya’s solidarity as a means of preserving their ecosystem. The paper hypothesized that the unity among the Luhya had played a vital role in sustaining the Kakamega forest. By applying Afroecosolidarity theory, the research suggested that a harmonious relationship between humans and nature was essential for environmental sustainability. The endeavour argued that the ecological crisis faced today was fundamentally a moral issue, advocating for community-based solidarity as a solution to conservation challenges. Additionally, the paper highlighted the efforts of Indigenous peoples in managing their environments, aligning with Principle 22 of the Rio Declaration. Through qualitative research methods, data was gathered from both primary and secondary sources to reinforce the argument that collective action rooted in Indigenous values can effectively address contemporary ecological challenges. The ultimate goal was to demonstrate that solidarity within communities is key to ecological preservation and to safeguarding our shared environment, emphasizing the interdependence of humanity and nature.