Geneva: The Kenyan Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation on the sound management of chemicals and waste, as well as addressing pollution across its entire lifecycle.
According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Festus K. Ng’eno, emphasized that Kenya remains keen on aligning global scientific evidence with national and regional policy priorities to support sustainable development, protect human health, and safeguard ecosystems. Dr. Ng’eno made these remarks during a courtesy call on Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Fancy Too, at the Embassy offices in Switzerland.
This engagement occurs as Dr. Ng’eno leads Kenya’s delegation to the First Session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP P1), taking place from February 2 to 6, 2026, at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG). The ISP-CWP is a newly established independent intergovernmental body tasked with strengthening the global science-policy interface on chemicals, waste, and pollution.
The Panel aims to bridge the gap between science and policy by providing policymakers with credible, policy-relevant scientific assessments to support informed decision-making at national, regional, and global levels. Dr. Ng’eno highlighted that Kenya views the Panel as a crucial mechanism for advancing evidence-based environmental governance, particularly for developing countries that face disproportionate impacts from pollution and hazardous waste.
He underscored that Kenya’s participation in the inaugural plenary session reflects the country’s growing leadership in global environmental governance and its dedication to science-driven solutions for chemicals management, waste reduction, and pollution control, in line with national, regional, and international environmental obligations.
Ambassador Fancy Too reiterated Kenya’s support for multilateral environmental processes and stressed the strategic role of the Geneva Mission in advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate diplomacy. She assured the delegation of the Mission’s full cooperation in supporting Kenya’s engagement during the ISP-CWP plenary and related negotiations.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador James Waweru (Foreign Affairs), Ms. Linda Kosgei (Environment), Mr. Tobias Ogweno (Foreign Affairs), along with other senior government officials. Kenya’s involvement in the Geneva talks highlights its determination to foster inclusive, science-based approaches to managing chemicals, waste, and pollution while bolstering international collaboration to tackle emerging environmental challenges.
