On 17th November 2023, KEPSA represented by Ms Faith Ngige, Climate Business Information Network Coordinator and Mr Julius Opio, Board Director and Chair – ICC Kenya-Environment and Energy Commission and Hon. Nasra Nanda, CEO, Kenya Green Building Society, participated in the launch of the Kenya Country Climate Development Report (CCDR-Kenya), held at a Nairobi Hotel.

The launch was graced by Prof. Njuguna Ndungu - Cabinet Secretary National Treasury and Economic Planning, Mr Keith Hansen - World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, and the IFC Principal Country Officer Mr Dan Kasirye. Also present was Cabinet Secretary - Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Soipan Tuya and Cabinet Secretary - Transport and Roads, Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, and Principal Secretary, National Treasury, Dr.  Chris Kiptoo.

The Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndungu, emphasized the importance of the Kenya Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) in guiding the nation towards sustainable development. He emphasized the report's role in synthesizing strategic thinking and practical solutions for Kenya's growth and resilience against climate change.  “The CCDR stands as a beacon guiding us towards a resilient and sustainable future.  As we navigate the complexities outlined in this report, let it steer our collective efforts in forging a future that harmoniously blends our developmental aspirations with our responsibility to the planet.”

Mr Keith Hansen, in his remarks noted, “The world bank views the CCDR as an important step forward in the World banks partnership with and commitment to the government, private sector and citizens of Kenya to help address climate change. Kenya can be a player in the global climate solutions areas as it stands out among African and lower middle-income countries due to its diversified and low carbon energy mix with about 90% of electricity generation coming from renewable resources.  

The IFC is working to accelerate a resilient inclusive transition in Kenya by mobilizing private capital. Climate action is urgent if Kenya is to meet its aspirations of becoming an upper-middle-income country in the next decade, reiterated Mr Dan Kasirye.

Hon. Tuya said in her speech that Kenya has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32%, or 143MT of CO₂, by 2030 through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). She underlined that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, in charge of coordinating Kenya's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is dedicated to collaborating with partners including private sector, to ensure compliance with country’s climate action commitments, with a particular emphasis on assisting high-potential industries including forestry, waste management, manufacturing, and agriculture. She also emphasized that the government will accomplish its development and growth goals in a climate-sensitive manner by utilizing the priority action areas provided by the CCDR-Kenya Report.

Key Highlights:

• The recent Africa Climate Summit's insights, emphasizing the pressing challenges that climate change poses to Africa's developmental goals. The Kenya Country Climate Development Report, was a result of rigorous analysis by the World Bank, and provides a comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts on Kenya's human, natural, and physical capital.
• The report aligns with the commitments made in the Africa Climate Summit Nairobi Declaration, emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-government approach. Cabinet Secretaries from key ministries related to environment, transport, energy, agriculture, information, lands, mining, and health were present, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing climate change across sectors.
• The report outlines five key action areas, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts. These areas include improving integration and coordination of climate action, managing water, land, and forests for resilient agriculture, delivering climate-informed basic services, strengthening competitiveness through shifts in energy, transport, and digital, and mobilizing climate finance.
• The event highlighted the potential impact of climate change on Kenya's development, showcasing the World Bank's analysis of the risks posed to the country's progress and poverty alleviation efforts. The report stresses the importance of adaptation and resilience investments to mitigate these risks.

The meeting highlighted Kenya's need for proactive climate action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate challenges and adopting sustainable development strategies. The report was developed through a collaborative effort between the World Bank, the National Treasury, various ministries, and the private sector underscoring the urgency of addressing climate challenges and adopting strategic measures for sustainable development. The report serves as a guiding document for informed decision-making and collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change in Kenya and is available via this link: https://bit.ly/3svbpzj