Nairobi: Mbaika calls for alternative financing strategies to boost climate action in Kenya, emphasizing the country’s active role in COP processes and advocating for policies addressing climate vulnerabilities. The Principal Secretary, State Department for Devolution, Teresia Mbaika, highlighted these points during the National Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Post-COP29 Reflection Workshop. This platform offered a critical opportunity to reflect on COP29 outcomes and shape Kenya’s climate resilience and sustainable development.
According to Kenya News Agency, the workshop was organized by the State Department for Devolution in partnership with the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG), Christian Aid, and the Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Clean Energy Access (ACCESS). The event aimed to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development. Mbaika noted that COP29 marked a significant moment in global climate action, particularly in advancing climate finance and establishing the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).
Mbaika emphasized the workshop’s role in amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups in global climate discussions and urged stakeholders to align strategies to turn global commitments into national and community-level actions. She commended Kenya’s CSOs for their crucial role in climate action through grassroots initiatives, policy advocacy, and community resilience strengthening.
She called for increased advocacy for enhanced climate finance, both internationally and domestically, supporting government efforts in combating climate change. Mbaika urged CSOs to engage with global platforms, amplify affected communities’ voices, and hold developed nations accountable for their climate finance pledges. She highlighted the importance of CSOs partnering with financial institutions to facilitate resource flow to local climate initiatives and encouraged active participation in capacity-building to equip communities with the skills to access funding mechanisms.
Mbaika challenged Kenya to focus on mobilizing local resources to reduce reliance on global commitments, which can sometimes delay. She urged CSOs to champion alternative financing strategies, such as public-private partnerships, community-driven fundraising, and innovative financial instruments like green bonds and climate-focused investment funds.
She praised CSOs for implementing community-based projects addressing community needs like sustainable agriculture and renewable energy access, vital for building local resilience and contributing to national climate goals. Mbaika stressed the need for climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems to mitigate climate change impacts on Kenya’s economy and livelihoods.
The PS called for integrating indigenous knowledge into agricultural resilience, enhancing community-based adaptation, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable land use. She advocated for collaboration between county governments and CSOs to empower vulnerable groups, support ecosystem-based adaptation, and mainstream gender-responsive strategies.
Mbaika acknowledged Kenya’s progress in adopting renewable energy and called for stronger policies to promote clean cooking technologies and support youth-driven clean energy innovations. She urged CSOs to raise community awareness and advocacy for low-carbon development pathways.
Looking ahead, Mbaika encouraged CSOs to align their priorities with Kenya’s climate action agenda by advocating for inclusive policies, promoting community-led adaptation, enhancing research, strengthening networks, and scaling up climate education, particularly among youth and marginalized groups. She emphasized cooperation between government and CSOs to ensure climate policies reflect COP29 commitments.
Mbaika underscored the importance of updating the National Climate Change Action Plan to incorporate new targets aligning with the NCQG, positioning Kenya as a leader in climate action. She emphasized the need for adequate training, resources, and technical support for CSOs to design and implement impactful projects, ensuring innovative and sustainable climate interventions.