Kenya continues to play her active role in all COP processes while advocating for policies and mechanisms that address climate vulnerabilities and promote sustainable development.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Devolution, Teresia Mbaika, while addressing the National Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Post-COP29 Reflection Workshop, said the platform provided a crucial opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of COP29 and chart a path for Kenya’s climate resilience and sustainable development.
The workshop, which was organised by the State Department for Devolution in collaboration with the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG) and Christian Aid and Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Clean Energy Access (ACCESS), aimed to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development.
She said, “The COP29 marked a pivotal moment in global climate action, particularly in advancing climate finance and establishing the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).”
The workshop, PS Mbaika said, will ensure that the voices of women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups are amplified in global climate discussions.
Mbaika called on stakeholders involved in the climate to align their strategies to translate global commitments into national and community-level action.
The PS commended Kenya’s CSOs for the critical role they have played in climate action by driving grassroots initiatives, advocating for policy reforms and strengthening community resilience.
She added, “Their work bridges the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that global climate commitments lead to tangible benefits for vulnerable populations.”
She called for increased efforts to advocate for enhanced climate finance, both internationally and domestically, to support the government’s efforts in combating climate change.
She urged CSOs to actively engage with global platforms, amplify the voices of affected communities and hold developed nations accountable to their climate finance pledges, adding that “without adequate funding, adaptation and mitigation efforts will be significantly hampered, leaving millions at risk.”
She encouraged CSOs to partner with financial institutions to help facilitate the flow of resources to local climate initiatives.
“CSOs must actively participate in capacity-building initiatives to equip local communities with the knowledge and skills to tap into available funding mechanisms,” she stated.
She challenged Kenya to actively focus on mobilising local resources, as it will minimise overrelying on the global commitments, which sometimes, she said, delay.
The PS urged CSOs to champion alternative financing strategies, such as fostering public-private partnerships, leading community-driven fundraising initiatives and promoting innovative financial instruments like green bonds and climate-focused investment funds.
By unlocking these new funding avenues, the PS said it will ensure that climate action is sustained at all levels.
The PS commended CSOs for implementing community-based projects tailored to solve community needs, such as sustainable agriculture and expanding access to renewable energy as well as strengthening climate education. She stated that these initiatives are vital in building local resilience and contributing to Kenya’s national climate goals.
PS said agriculture, which is the cornerstone of Kenya’s economy and livelihoods, is increasingly threatened by climate change. She called for the implementation of climate-smart agriculture, adaptation measures, and sustainable food systems to mitigate the impact.
She urged stakeholders to integrate indigenous knowledge into agricultural resilience, enhance community-based adaptation approaches, and strengthen partnerships for sustainable land use practices. Through this, PS said it will ensure that interventions reach grassroots communities and lead to impactful actions.
She called for collective collaborations between the county governments and CSOs to advocate for policies that empower vulnerable groups, support ecosystem-based adaptation and mainstream gender-responsive adaptation strategies.
She acknowledged the fact that Kenya has made tremendous efforts in adopting renewable energy; she called for stronger policies that promote access to clean cooking technologies and support youth-driven innovations in clean energy.
Adding, “CSOs should play a catalytic role in fostering community-level awareness and advocacy for low-carbon development pathways.”
Going forward, PS urged CSOs to align their priorities with Kenya’s broader climate action agenda by strengthening advocacy for inclusive climate policies, promoting community-led adaptation and nature-based solutions, enhancing research and knowledge-sharing on climate resilience strategies, strengthening networks and collaborations with the government, private sector, and academia, and scaling up climate education and awareness, particularly among young people and marginalised groups.
She called for cooperation between government and CSOs to ensure that Kenya’s climate policies reflect the commitments and expectations set forth at COP29.
She underscored the importance of updating the National Climate Change Action Plan to incorporate new targets and strategies that align with the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). Adding that, this will ensure that Kenya’s national framework aligns with global objectives, therefore positioning the country as a leader in climate action while securing the necessary support for implementation.
She commended CSOs for being at the forefront of climate action but emphasized the need for adequate training, resources, and technical support to strengthen their ability to design and implement impactful projects. She highlighted that these efforts are essential to ensuring climate interventions are both innovative and sustainable.
By Ian Chepkuto