POLICY LANDSCAPE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH IN EAST AFRICA: A KINGDON POLICY ANALYSIS

Climate change effects (CCE) significantly contribute to health hazards globally. Regrettably, Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) bear the brunt of this burden due to their inadequate institutional capacity to combat climate change, susceptibility to extreme weather events, heavy reliance on agriculture, restricted ability to adjust, topographical position, inability to obtain climate funding and reliance on natural resources for economic purposes. Despite international efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change, countries in East Africa continue to face significant health challenges as a result of its consequences. This study sought to assess the impact of climate change on the health of individuals in East Africa. The methodology used in this study was the Kingdon Multiple Streams Framework, which was applied to identify both successful and damaging elements in terms of getting climate change prevention on the policy agenda. The findings indicate that climate change poses significant health risks in East Africa, including heat waves, water scarcity, and vector-borne diseases, but a lack of robust data and evidence hinders effective problem definition. Existing regional and international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and WHO's climate change and health strategy, provide a foundation for policy solutions, including early warning systems, climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure, and adaptation and mitigation strategies. While political instability and competing priorities often overshadow climate change and health concerns, the East African Community's commitment to addressing climate change and the presence of policy entrepreneurs in some countries offer opportunities for progress. A policy window is opening in East Africa, driven by the EAC's climate change agenda and WHO's support, and the presence of policy entrepreneurs and feasible solutions create an opportunity for the streams to align and prioritize climate change and health in the region. In conclusion, prioritizing climate change and health in East Africa requires a trifecta of essential elements: effective problem definition, robust policy solutions, and political stability. The alignment of these three streams, facilitated by policy entrepreneurs, is crucial for meaningful policy action in the region, enabling the translation of solutions into tangible actions that address the health impacts of climate change in East Africa.