Kenya’s rich biodiversity and its diverse landscapes have earned it global recognition. Climate change has
negatively impacted the natural resources and nature-based tourism that the country depends on for its
economy and citizens’ livelihoods. Kenya’s conservation efforts are further threatened by vast logging, urban
sprawl, wildlife crime, and rapid population growth.
With the African Climate Summit that ended last month, Africa was hailed as a global leader in renewable
energy and as having the potential to supply all of its energy needs through these sources. The renewable
energy industry offers opportunities for both economic development and environmental sustainability.
In order to satisfy Africa’s energy needs and advance aspirations in combating climate change, the president
emphasized the necessity for climate financing. Previously, questions had been raised over the inability of
financial resources to adequately address the threats and challenges that Kenya is currently facing. He further
urged African governments to increase their investments in green opportunities such as electric vehicles and
e-bikes in green industrialization to unlock the continent’s potential. This would fuel sustainable development,
expedite global decarbonization, spur economic growth, and generate millions of new jobs.
Kenya has been at the forefront of leading the way in adopting renewable energy, which accounts for 92% of
its power. One of the goals put in place is to have 100% renewable energy by 2030 and a 100 Giga Watt grid,
entirely renewable, by 2040. There have been projects started, such as the Financing Locally-Led Climate
Action (FLLoCA) program, which seeks to enhance Kenya’s climate adoption through financing, technology,
and capacity building. To facilitate this, Kshs 7.2 billion has been set aside for this project in the form of
county climate change investment grants. The Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development
Strategies (LT-LEDS) 2022-2050, the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2023-2027, and the
Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023 are several other projects that have been launched to help meet the
government’s commitment towards environmental protection.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, in its strategic plan, included the following
legislation and policies: the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP) (2023-2027), which focuses on environmental
and forest conservation and management, protection and conservation of wetlands, restoration and protection
of water towers, among others; and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on
the climate commitment to reduce emissions by 32 percent relative to “business as usual” by 2030. This is to
help in climate change impact mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. The ministry also plans to ensure at least
10 percent land area forest cover as per the Constitution’s mandate and establish 5 million acres (20,000 km2)
of agroforestry woodlots in drylands.
Looking ahead, The Panda Miti CBO will keep volunteering towards tree planting and ultimately ensuring the
10% land area forest cover is achieved and align itself with the goals set by the Ministry to mitigate climate
change.
Kenya’s Rich Biodiversity, Diverse Landscapes, and Climate Action Efforts
