Kenyan business leaders and civil society advocates convened on November 4, 2024, at the Radisson Blu in Nairobi for the Adaptation and Resilience Deep Dive Thematic Convening, part of the ACS@1 initiative. The gathering was spearheaded by Jacob’s Ladder Africa, with participants emphasizing the critical need for urgent climate action, job creation, and community resilience in the face of escalating environmental threats.
The Nairobi Declaration: A Framework for Action
The Nairobi Declaration, unveiled during the 2023 Africa Climate Summit, serves as a roadmap for Africa’s approach to climate change. It outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at transitioning towards a green economy, enhancing renewable energy initiatives, and fostering community resilience. Participants at the recent convening recognized Kenya’s pivotal role as a regional leader in these efforts, championing a sustainable future that aligns with both national and continental aspirations.
Sella Bogonko, CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa, highlighted the urgent need for job creation as a cornerstone of climate action. “For us, it’s no longer just a conversation; it’s an urgent priority,” Bogonko asserted. He emphasized that the potential of Africa’s carbon market, coupled with the Nairobi Declaration, could pave the way for significant employment opportunities, provided that projects are executed effectively. Bogonko reiterated the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure that the commitments made during the summit translate into tangible actions that benefit not only Kenya but the entire continent.
The Role of the Private Sector in Climate Action
The private sector’s involvement in emissions reduction was a focal point of the discussions. Dr. Jacob Koimbori, Head of KEPSA Consult for Circular Economy and Climate Change, represented the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), an organization boasting a membership of over two million businesses. He underscored the critical role that private companies play in addressing climate change, noting that approximately 77% of global carbon emissions are attributed to them.
Koimbori outlined KEPSA’s commitment to educate and support its members in transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. He framed this transition within the broader context of President William Ruto’s economic transformation agenda, which prioritizes green job creation and aims to reduce Kenya’s carbon footprint. “The private sector is at the forefront of this conversation,” Koimbori stated, emphasizing that embracing renewable energy solutions is essential for cutting carbon emissions.
Collaboration among the government, NGOs, and private enterprises is vital for sustainable growth and achieving actionable recommendations ahead of COP29. Koimbori pointed out that by working together, these sectors can drive Kenya toward a greener, more resilient economy.
Community-Level Adaptation Efforts
A critical component of climate action lies in addressing the needs of local communities. Faith Ngige, the National Coordinator for the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance, provided a community-focused perspective during the convening. She highlighted the direct impacts of climate change on Kenya’s economy, warning that the GDP could shrink by as much as 5% by 2050 due to climate-related losses.
Ngige pointed to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, noting that droughts and floods are now occurring every three years instead of the previously observed decade-long cycles. “The impacts of climate change are intensifying, and communities are feeling it firsthand,” Ngige noted. This reality underscores the importance of moving from rhetoric to action, ensuring the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration at the grassroots level. Ngige called for a concerted effort among stakeholders to build a more resilient Kenya, focusing on local adaptation strategies.
A Collaborative “Diamond Approach” to Climate Action
Participants at the convening advocated for a “diamond approach” to climate action, which integrates the roles of government, private sector, NGOs, and development partners. This collaborative model aims to foster partnerships that drive effective climate action, combining resources and expertise to tackle the most pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Koimbori credited Jacob’s Ladder Africa for its role in facilitating this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of uniting various stakeholders in Kenya’s climate action efforts. By creating a unified approach, stakeholders can more effectively address the multifaceted issues posed by climate change and green economic growth.
Looking Toward COP29
As Kenya and Africa prepare for COP29, the convening provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on progress made since the 2023 Africa Climate Summit. The meeting aimed to assess adaptation and resilience initiatives, exchange knowledge, and identify best practices that can be implemented moving forward. Participants expressed hope that the recommendations arising from the summit would translate into concrete policies that support renewable energy adoption, industrial sustainability, and economic resilience.
The call for urgent climate action comes at a time when the impacts of climate change are increasingly visible across the globe. In Kenya, the need for innovative solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges has never been more pressing. Stakeholders at the convening recognized that immediate and decisive action is necessary to harness the potential of green jobs, create sustainable livelihoods, and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The Nairobi Declaration represents a significant commitment from Kenyan leaders to confront the climate crisis head-on. With the involvement of the private sector, civil society, and government, there is a growing recognition that sustainable development and climate resilience must go hand in hand. As discussions progress toward COP29, the hope is that Kenya will emerge as a model for climate action in Africa, demonstrating that urgent measures can lead to a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
By fostering collaboration and prioritizing community resilience, Kenya can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also position itself as a leader in the global transition toward a green economy. The time for action is now, and the commitment from diverse stakeholders reflects a collective determination to make meaningful strides in the fight against climate change.
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