By Nicholas Waitathu
Kenya and European Union (EU) sealed Ksh4.8 billion deals to support efforts on advancing the global green agenda mainly targeting communities’ livelihoods maintenance and conserving biodiversity.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger confirmed that the signed agreements are meant to boost efforts by her organisation to advance its green economic transformation to address the climate crisis, reduce inequality, and spur sustainable trade.
“Our strong collaboration in green transition with Kenya is further strengthened by committing four new contracts with a total value of Ksh4.8 billion. The finances will be used to support the fight against climate change, improving livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, restoring degraded landscapes, and switching Kenya Green,” said Henriette.
Celebrating the EU Green Diplomacy recently in Nairobi, Henriette explained that through the designed projects, collaboration seeks to consistently provide leadership for the global push to fight climate change.
Flanked by other EU member state ambassadors, Henriette noted that the partnership will contribute to preserving biodiversity, restore ocean health, and improve the productivity of nature and assets.
The green diplomacy targeted to showcase the EU’s support to Kenya on climate mitigation and adaptation, water security, green growth, climate and environmental security, as well as climate actions such as greening of buildings.
Ambassador Henriette confirmed that Ksh600 million will be expended to finance the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system of Kenya’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
The project is designed to help Kenya establish a sound legal basis and a MRV system to track and report its NDC, under the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement (PA). Under the PA, Kenya’s NDC commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and the MRV system will help Kenya track and report on its commitments.
The project will be implemented by the National Government in close collaboration with the County Governments.
In Baringo County, Ksh2.1 billion will be committed to funding strengthening climate resilience in the Lake Baringo Watershed. “This project will support the adoption and implementation of sustainable land management practices in the Lake Baringo watershed to address land use changes, deforestation and climate change. The project will be implemented in a team Europe approach with EU member states Italy and Germany in close collaboration with the National and country Government of Baringo,” said Mr. Felix Kimaiyo Baringo county deputy governor.
Wildlife principal secretary Sylvia Museiya said Kenya’s greening journey is progressing well and more importantly strengthening communities’ resilience in confronting vagaries of climate change. “EU has been more visible in supporting Kenya’s economic growth and green programme. The financial support extended will deepen the implementation of the green programme in the country and thus enhance Kenya’s profile globally and equally ignite more investments,” said Museiya who represented Tourism and wildlife cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in close collaboration with the National Government, the County Governments, and communities will implement Ksh1.3 billion strengthening community conservation and tourism development ensuring biodiversity conservation projects in Northern Kenya. The financial support has been extended to support and establish resilient community conservancies for biodiversity conservation, livelihood improvement and peace/security.
Under the Kenya-EU partnership, Ksh 750 million Switching Kenya Green – Tujenge Pamoja: Advancing Kenya’s Circular Economy through MSMEs project will be implemented by the national government in collaboration with the private sector. The project aims to promote sustainable businesses by improving access to finance, enhancing business performance, and creating green jobs, thereby advancing Kenya’s circular economy.