On 29^th June 2023, KEPSA in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry held an engagement meeting with private sector players to mainly discuss the strides and actions several players have taken in climate change mitigation in line with the second National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP II) (2018 – 2022) as well as identify priority areas that the private sector would majorly focus on in the NCCAP III (2023- 2027).

Mr. Thomas Lerenten, Deputy Director of Climate Change Adaptation, Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry in his opening remark, applauded the private sector for having been actively involved in the implementation of climate action during the period of the Second National Climate Change Action Plan II (2018 – 2022). He urged the private sector to embrace climate change as a business opportunity as it presented a lot of new frontiers for investments such as clean cooking solutions and carbon markets among others. 

The government had undertaken the amendment of the Climate Change   Act 2016 in order to provide for a legal framework and regulations for ease of sustainable and predictable carbon trading the country. NCCAPIII will promote carbon credits that presents excellent opportunities for private sector investment and participation in climate action. 

Dr. Kibugi, Consultant, leading the process on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change highlighted that the national climate change action plan is a tool to identify implementation and mitigation measures to meet national and global climate change goals. He further explained that the constant review and advancement of goals advocated for within the action plan is paramount for growth and sustainable development.

Mr. Victor Ogalo, Deputy CEO of KEPSA, in his remarks stated that the NCCAP is a call for businesses to re-evaluate, re-strategize and re-align their goals and target towards climate smart initiatives. He further, gave an reassurance of KEPSA’s support through the Climate Information and Business Network Kenya (CBIN-K) in ensuring that business gain a competitive advantage globally within the climate adaptation and mitigation space. 

Ms. Faith Ngige of KEPSA in her remarks gave an overview of the background to the development of the action plan stating that it is anchored under the Climate Change Act 2016 and climate priority actions are targeted at developing a low carbon pathway for sustainable development in the country. She further stated that the analysis of the achievements and areas of growth that incorporates the private sector in the development of the NCCAP makes it an effective tool in the mitigation of climate change and encourages further participation of the private sector in the implementation of climate change actions.  

During the plenary discussion, the key action areas for climate action within the NCCAP II were highlighted. They included; Disaster Risk Management, Food and Nutrition, Water and Blue Economy, Forest, Wildlife and Tourism, Health, Sanitation and Human Settlement, Manufacturing and Energy and Transport as well as the respective private sector achievements within those areas. Members were encouraged input tangible climate action targets and proposals for the next 5yr period that are industry-specific, promote net zero commitments and enhance resilience of operations and value chains. Also reporting and accountability will be key in the next period in line with global trends on global stock take and reporting tools under the Paris Agreement.

Dr. John Wandaka, the Vice Chair of the KEPSA Environment, Water and Natural Resources Sector Board in his remarks, appreciated all the members for their active participation in ensuring that the private sector is well represented in climate change mitigation practices. Furthermore, he expressed his optimism towards the NCCAP III plans as fast-trackers towards a circular net zero economy.