Nairobi: Kenya has called for stronger partnerships, increased green financing, and practical action to accelerate Africa’s transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient economy. Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno made the call while delivering closing remarks at the inaugural Green Works 4 Africa Forum in Nairobi, which brought together governments, development partners, investors, private-sector leaders, academia, and other stakeholders.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ng’eno said the forum had provided an important platform to move the continent’s green economy agenda beyond discussions in conference halls and boardrooms to concrete investments, innovation, and implementation. He emphasized the need to build Africa’s green jobs ecosystem and scale investment-ready solutions to create opportunities for the continent’s growing youthful population. Highlighting Kenya’s progress, Ng’eno noted that nearly 90 per cent of the country’s electricity generation comes from renewable sources, supporting businesses, communities, and economic resilience.
Ng’eno added that as Africa seeks to leverage its youthful population, natural resources, innovation, and skills, governments must simultaneously strengthen environmental conservation efforts. He urged stakeholders to protect forests, restore degraded landscapes, conserve biodiversity, and enhance climate resilience. The partnerships and commitments forged during the Nairobi forum should now translate into policies, investments, and practical programmes across the continent. ‘The work must now extend beyond Nairobi,’ he stated, calling for the green workforce agenda to deliver tangible opportunities for Africa’s young people.
Meanwhile, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director-General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo called for greater environmental responsibility and increased use of green financing to support sustainable development. Mamo was speaking in Nairobi during the launch of Kenya Development Corporation’s (KDC) new products and the unveiling of its sustainability and financing strategy. He stressed the importance of responsible use of natural resources, ecosystem protection, and forward-looking investments that reduce carbon emissions.
Mamo highlighted that investments in clean-energy projects like solar power could help businesses and institutions lower their carbon footprints while supporting the country’s transition to a greener economy. He urged investors and financial institutions to explore green financing instruments, including green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and green mortgages, to fund environmentally sustainable projects. NEMA would continue ensuring environmental considerations are mainstreamed into development projects for social, environmental, and economic viability.
The NEMA chief emphasized that environmental sustainability doesn’t necessarily require complex interventions, noting that simple everyday actions can significantly reduce environmental degradation. He cited actions such as switching off unnecessary lights, carpooling, and proper waste disposal. Mamo called for a change in public attitudes towards waste management, indicating that Kenya already has a robust legal and institutional framework for environmental protection but needs greater citizen participation.
Despite the availability of a robust legal and institutional framework to manage the environment, Mamo noted the lack of citizen action on the environment. He referenced the 2010 Constitution, highlighting its preamble that recognizes the need to respect and sustain the environment as a heritage for present and future generations, and Article 42, which guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment. However, Mamo cautioned that citizens should not focus solely on their environmental rights while neglecting their responsibilities.
The remarks from the two senior officials underscore Kenya’s push to combine green investment, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and citizen participation in advancing the country’s sustainable development agenda. The challenge, they noted, is now to turn commitments into action and ensure that Africa’s green transition delivers jobs, investment, resilient communities, and a healthier environment for future generations.
