Testimonial Gabriel Dinda Olewe

After nearly nine months of his stay in Groningen, we caught up with Gabriel Dinda, a double degree candidate to capture his experience and share his impressions so far.

Let’s start from here, who is Gabriel Dinda?

I am a Double degree PhD candidate of University of Nairobi and University of Groningen. I am undertaking research on establishing the impact that grassroot youth climate activists in Kenya have on local and national policies around climate change. Through my research I hope to establish the intrinsic motivations of activists and link it with the strategies they use and ultimately how it weaves to influence the policy. At the core of it, I want to crack a code to enable activists champion better for their causes and the policy makers to listen better to the wishes of the governed. In a way, bridge the gap between activism and policy.

Are you an activist? What’s the backstory to this research and your academic and professional experience?

Fundamentally, anyone who desires a change to ensure better governance, a more just society or generally a better way of doing things is an activist. So don’t be surprised, even you could be one. So, to that extent, I am. Before this, I have been involved in “artivism”- using art to champion for good causes. I founded Writers Guild-Kenya in 2014 to create a platform for artistic expression and an avenue for lifelong learning. The past seven years, I have taught subjects related to Philosophy, Ethics and environmental sustainability at School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) in Strathmore University and been actively involved in the activities of Laudato Si’, a global catholic movement championing for the care of our common home. So yes, a bit of writing, artivism, academia and many things in between.

How has climate activism changed in your view over the years?

When we talk of activism, you quickly think of mass protests, sometimes even violent confrontations. But did you know that those are just but forms of activism. We have nearly 400 forms of activism. So, that’s part of what I am trying to establish. Asking the question whether these activists, quietly engaging in activities in rural areas, greatly affected by the climate emergency, have any influence on the policies adopted. You may possibly never see them in the media, or hear about them, but what’s the impact of their work? Today, more people are aware of the climate breakdown and the impacts it has/projected to have. This has pushed people to act, hold governments and organizations to account and demand for a more just world. There are about 3,000 environmental related litigations filed in courts since 1986. In 2024, about 226 were filed and there have been some groundbreaking rulings made. This tells you that something has changed and people are looking for more ways to create a better world for all.

Going to the Double degree, how did you get it and how has it been so far?

I started my PhD in 2023 at University of Nairobi and one day, I got a call from the Department that I had been selected as one of the candidates to take part in the interviews for possible selection. After three interviews, I was among the two selected. That was the beginning. So, it involves having a research residency, taking courses and undergoing supervision from Faculty of Spatial Sciences (FSS) in Groningen for a year after finishing a year of course work and research in Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA) at University of Nairobi. The program is sponsored by Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) and eventually it is meant to enhance North-South collaboration and ultimately lead to lasting partnerships for greater good.

How’s your stay in Groningen been so far?

I came in February when it was snowing. That was a big change. My mother passed on the same day I was travelling here, 3rd Feb 2025. So, a bit challenging at the beginning, but things settled. I was greatly supported. My supervisors, colleagues, Kenyans in the Netherlands and other friends really helped. My promotor, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen paid my air ticket back home to participate in the burial. Dr. Ethemcan Turhan and Dr. Stephen Adaawen, my supervisors here have really been of great support and guidance. My supervisors back home, Prof. Olago Daniel and Prof. Oleche Martine have been constantly involved and have offered more than supervision. Our faculty and the University of Groningen generally have very good structures that support and encourage cross cultural learning and research.  I have made great friends here through the many activities of Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy and other activities. So generally, it has been good and conducive for learning and research. Thank you to all who have made the experience so memorable.

Give us highlights of some experiences in Europe as well.

When I came, my supervisor Dr. Ethemcan sponsored me for a Spring School in Wageningen. I met really brilliant people there, and from the school, I got one of the theoretical frameworks that I use now in my research. I have undertaken doctoral courses and summer schools in Belgium, Sweden, France, Germany and Denmark. Each of them has given me a chance to learn something new, meet interesting people and broaden my understanding of contemporary issues.

Back in the Netherlands, I have made eleven presentations about my research, been part of a team reviewing SSA Africa Strategy, been part of organizing IAfrica Film Festival, organized activities of Strathmore University Alumni in the Netherlands, gave five guest lectures in different programs, undertaken a Research Fellowship with GCA and tried my best to make the best use of this great opportunity while hitting my milestones and targets.

What are your plans for the coming months?

My current and upcoming plans can be summarized in three words: reading, writing and research. This is what I sleep and wake up thinking about. I am keen and determined to finish writing my thesis and promote/graduate within the time allocated for my program. Before my mum passed on, she gave me an assignment; to come, study, do my best at it and then go back and carry out the assignment. I am very keen to do as her last wish was.

For collaborations or research partnerships, reach out to Gabriel Dinda through g.d.olewe rug.nl.