To counter the economic impact of climate change, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry aims to secure approximately Ksh 514 billion per year for climate adaptation, along with an additional Ksh 180 billion for mitigation until 2030.
Speaking at the second Climate Change Global Business Summit in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the total cost of implementing Kenya’s climate mitigation and adaptation plans is estimated at Ksh 7.96 trillion. However, the country can only raise Ksh 1.05 trillion domestically, leaving a significant shortfall.
He is now calling on international partners to collaborate with Kenya to mobilise the remaining Ksh 6.91 trillion. According to Duale, such partnerships are crucial in implementing the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2023-2027) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) framework, which guide Kenya’s response to climate change.
“This support is critical to enable us to fully implement our plans for both adaptation and mitigation,” said Duale. He further emphasised that Kenya requires approximately Ksh 2.27 trillion for mitigation efforts and an additional Ksh 5.65 trillion for adaptation.
“This funding is essential to address the impacts of climate change and to build a resilient, sustainable future for all Kenyans,” he added. Duale also highlighted that during the recent drought crisis, Kenya mobilised over Ksh 8.99 trillion for drought response interventions. Of this, the government contributed Ksh 2.83 trillion, while non-state actors provided a further Ksh 6.16 trillion—demonstrating the power of partnerships in tackling climate challenges.
Nhlanhla Nene, Chairperson of the European House Ambrosetti Africa, underscored the importance of addressing key economic and geopolitical issues linked to climate change. “Kenya is a leader in climate action, which aligns with the 13th Sustainable Development Goal on combating climate change. Investment in reducing carbon emissions and adaptation measures is becoming a crucial asset class,” Nene stated.
He noted that since the inaugural global summit—also held in Nairobi—progress has been made, with increased collaborations and contributions aimed at reducing carbon emissions across Africa.
“As these initiatives gain traction, we are witnessing growing investments not only from multilateral institutions but also from private businesses and corporations,” added Nene.
With over 150 world leaders and economists gathering in Nairobi to reaffirm their commitment to tackling Africa’s climate challenges amid political shifts, Kenya stands at a critical juncture where climate change is proving disastrous not just for the environment but for the broader economy.
Extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts and severe flooding, have devastated local communities, reversing economic gains. Kenya’s total climate and nature-related public expenditure currently stands at approximately Ksh 196 billion per year, and recent estimates indicate that the country has secured only one-third of the total finance required for climate adaptation investments.
“We need the support of international organisations, development partners, and the private sector. Together, we can accelerate the pace of climate action and ensure that Kenya’s climate journey remains on track,” Duale concluded.
