On 31^st July 2023, KEPSA in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on behalf of the United Nations in Kenya hosted the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) High-level CEOs Roundtable on the Private Sector Engagement and Priorities for Business Climate Action for Resilience and Green Growth.

The roundtable, which was held in Nairobi, provided an opportunity for Kenyan private sector business leaders to exchange views and ideas on how to engage with various actors in the climate change discussions and make input to the forthcoming ACS outcome.

Speaking during the roundtable, Hon Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry noted the need to maximize the private sector contribution to tackling climate change, with clear and appropriate incentives that are being created. “As a Country, we are already walking the talk, we have amended our Climate Change Act and provided a carbon Market regulatory framework, one of its kind in Africa, that provides for a transparent space to invest in high-quality Carbon Market Projects,” Remarked Hon. Tuya.

In her remarks, KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki encouraged the private sector members to enhance their commitment to driving investments in green growth and climate change. She noted that a supportive policy and regulatory framework accelerates climate action and green investments. “The private sector requires an enabling environment and fiscal space to innovate solutions for climate change, create green jobs and promote sustainable development in Kenya and Africa,” noted Ms Kariuki.

Kenya’s private sector companies increasingly recognizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. Investing in climate change presents significant opportunities, including green manufacturing and adopting a circular economy. This will foster innovation, create new business models, and generate economic value through eco-design and ecolabelling, lifecycle assessment, extended producer responsibility schemes, investment in material recovery, waste processing and residual waste management.

Elizabeth M. Mrema, Deputy Executive Director at UNEP/ UN Assistant Secretary-General noted that “We cannot maintain and grow the prosperity of current and future generations without mitigating – and adapting to – the adverse impacts of climate change, investing in nature’s capacity to store carbon and sustaining the biodiversity and resilience of the ecosystems upon which our economies entirely depend.”

“Kenya is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities. However, like many countries around the world, Kenya faces significant environmental challenges that require our immediate attention and concerted efforts. It is imperative that we work together to address these challenges, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the nation.” Said Dr Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya.

Private sector members implementing impactful climate change interventions were also awarded during the roundtable. These included Timao Group (SME Award), Safaricom PLC (Corporate Award), Kenya Bankers Association (Association Award), International Livestock Research Institute (Research Award) and KEPSA (Umbrella Association Award).

Kenya will co-host the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) with the African Union Commission (AUC) in Nairobi from 4th to 6th September 2023, in conjunction with the Africa Climate week, 4^th to 8^th September 2023 hosted in partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The communique can be accessed here.