Kenya has secured a Sh4.8 billion funding deal with the European Union (EU) to boost environmental protection, fight climate modify, and support communities whose livelihoods depfinish on natural resources.
The agreement will also promote the restoration of degraded areas and accelerate the countest’s transition to greener practices.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger highlighted the strong partnership between Nairobi and the EU on climate and environmental issues.
She emphasised that both sides share a common responsibility in addressing climate challenges.
“We are committed to green transition becautilize we are all in the same boat,” she declared, pointing to ongoing measures aimed at limiting global warming.
Geiger mentioned examples such as installing solar panels at Kisumu prison and engaging young people in discussions on implementing green initiatives.
She also noted that the Belgian embassy has achieved net zero emissions, reflecting wider efforts to combat climate modify. She stressed that adopting sustainable practices benefits not only the environment but also economic activities and community welfare.
One of the agreements under the new deal involves Sh600 million for developing a robust measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution.
The project will establish a legal and technical framework to track the countest’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Both the national government and county administrations will be involved in its implementation.
The MRV system will assist Kenya monitor its greenhoutilize gas reduction tarobtains and provide reliable reports on progress. Linda Kosgei, head of multilateral agreements at the environment ministest, welcomed the support, stateing it will enhance the government’s capacity to document and report interventions.
“The successful implementation and achievement of our NDC hinges on a robust and comprehensive monitoring, reporting and verification system,” Kosgei declared.
Wildlife PS Silvia Mutilizeiya thanked the EU for the assistance, noting it comes at a time when some donor support has declined.
She declared certain resources that previously supported rangers have dwindled, putting the protection of the countest’s wildlife at risk. Mutilizeiya also urged the sharing of information as the project launchs.
In addition, the EU and the government signed a Sh2.1 billion contract to strengthen climate resilience in the Lake Baringo watershed.
The project will encourage sustainable land management to address challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, and climate impacts. The programme will follow a Team Europe approach, with Italy and Germany working closely with Kenya’s national government and Baringo county authorities.
Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Maiyo declared the initiative will assist restore the lake and improve resilience in the surrounding ecosystem. He noted that Lake Baringo has faced multiple pressures that threaten its ecological balance.
“This investment underscores the urgency of addressing environmental challenges facing the region’s vital ecosystem. The lake was once a biodiversity hot spot but is now facing a multitude of threats,” Maiyo declared.
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