A Lens on Climate Action: Fulgence Rabach’s Mission to Tell Stories that Matter

In Kisumu, a city where the natural beauty of Lake Victoria meets the harsh realities of climate change, Fulgence Rabach, a passionate filmmaker and photojournalist, works tirelessly to document the stories of those often left unheard. A climate activist at heart, Rabach has devoted his career to using visual storytelling as a force for environmental advocacy, particularly in the marginalized communities most affected by climate change.

“I’ve always been drawn to the power of images,” Rabach explains. “There’s something about a single photograph or a film that can evoke an emotion or inspire action in a way that words can’t. I realized early on that if I wanted to make an impact, I needed to tell these stories visually.”

A Journey Shaped by Kisumu and Lake Victoria

Growing up in Kisumu, Rabach was surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Victoria and the communities that relied on it for survival. However, over the years, he witnessed firsthand how climate change was slowly unraveling the delicate balance that sustained the region.

“Lake Victoria was more than just a backdrop to my life—it was the lifeblood of our community. But as I grew older, I saw how climate change was beginning to affect everything, from fishing to agriculture. The effects weren’t abstract; they were personal,” Rabach recalls.

This realization propelled him into the world of climate activism, determined to use his skills in photojournalism and filmmaking to bring attention to the environmental degradation threatening his home.

A Passion for Climate Activism

Rabach’s passion for climate activism is rooted in the tangible impacts he’s seen within his own community. Kisumu’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing—industries that have been hit hard by unpredictable weather patterns, flooding, and droughts. As crops fail and fish stocks dwindle, families are left struggling to make ends meet.

“I remember seeing farmers devastated after losing entire harvests to unpredictable rains and floods. It wasn’t just an environmental issue; it was an issue of survival,” he says. “That’s when I knew I had to do more. I had to use my work to show the world what was happening in places like Kisumu.”

His camera became his weapon of choice in the fight against climate change, capturing the struggles and resilience of the people most affected by environmental degradation.

Making an Impact Through Local Initiatives

Today, Rabach plays an active role in the County Government of Kisumu, where he focuses on environmental conservation and youth empowerment. His work has led to several impactful initiatives that aim to mitigate climate change while also empowering local communities, particularly young people, to take action.

One of his most significant achievements has been leading a youth-led reforestation project aimed at restoring deforested areas in Kisumu. “It was incredible to see the youth come together, not just to plant trees but to take ownership of their future,” he reflects. “By planting these trees, we weren’t just combating climate change; we were creating jobs and giving young people a sense of purpose.”

Another successful initiative was a clean energy campaign promoting solar-powered solutions for rural households. This project helped reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provided sustainable energy alternatives to communities that previously had no access to clean power.

“We wanted to show that climate action isn’t just about stopping the negative; it’s about building a positive, sustainable future. Clean energy is a huge part of that,” Rabach explains.

Using Film to Drive Climate Advocacy

Visual storytelling is at the heart of Rabach’s activism. As a filmmaker, he has dedicated his work to shedding light on the human stories behind environmental challenges. One of his most compelling projects, Voices of the Lake, captured the lives of fisherfolk around Lake Victoria who have been severely impacted by pollution and climate change.

“In Voices of the Lake, I wanted to show the human side of the crisis,” Rabach explains. “The fisherfolk are on the front lines of climate change, but their stories aren’t being told. Through the film, I hoped to bring attention to their struggles, but also to their resilience.”

Rabach’s belief in the power of visual media is unwavering. “A well-told story can inspire action in a way that data and reports sometimes can’t. It’s one thing to hear about climate change in the abstract; it’s another to see someone whose livelihood is being destroyed by it.”

Overcoming Challenges in Documenting Climate Change

Documenting the effects of climate change in Kenya’s most vulnerable communities has not been without its challenges. Rabach has faced significant barriers, particularly in gaining access to marginalized communities and securing funding for environmental projects.

“The hardest part is reaching these communities that are often remote and overlooked,” he admits. “These are the people who are most affected by climate change, but they rarely have the platform to share their stories. That’s what drives me—to bring their voices to the forefront.”

Funding has also been a persistent issue. “It’s difficult to find financial support for projects that focus on environmental issues in Kenya. But that’s why it’s so important to keep pushing. These stories need to be told.”

Looking Ahead: Youth as the Future of Climate Action

As Rabach continues his journey, he sees the future of climate activism in Kenya being shaped by the country’s youth. In his view, young people hold the key to driving meaningful change in environmental policy and innovation.

“Young people in Kenya are passionate, tech-savvy, and ready to lead the charge on climate action,” Rabach says. “I’m working on a documentary series now that highlights youth-led climate initiatives across the country. It’s incredible to see the creativity and dedication these young people bring to solving climate challenges.”

The series, which explores everything from reforestation efforts to clean energy solutions, is a testament to his belief that youth engagement is critical to the future of climate activism.

A Vision for Global Change

Looking beyond Kenya, Rabach has a long-term vision of using his platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities affected by climate change around the world.

“I want to build a global platform where these stories can be told, where the voices of the marginalized are not just heard, but acted upon,” Rabach says with conviction. “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a human issue. And it’s time we start treating it that way.”

Rabach’s work, both as a filmmaker and a climate activist, is driven by a desire to inspire global action and influence future generations to view environmental conservation as a moral imperative.

Through the power of visual storytelling, Fulgence Rabach is determined to continue telling the stories that matter—stories that inspire, challenge, and drive the fight for a sustainable future