PANAFRICAN CLIMATEUSTICE ALLIANCE

Gregory University,
Uturu - Nigeria

AFRICA
CLIMATECHANGEFU N D

PAVING THE WAY FOR CLIMATE ACTION: KENYA'S JOURNEY TOWARDS
IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (NDCs)
African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)TECHNOPOLICY BRIEF NO. 72
Nicholas OzortĞŶƚůĂŶĚDƵŚĂƟĂŚ
Alfred Nyambane

Paving the Way for Climate Ac on:
Kenya's Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined
Contribu ons (NDCs)

Nicholas Ozor
Wentland Muha ah
Alfred Nyambane

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)AFRICA
CLIMATECHANGE
FUND

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is atransdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private
sector actors and the civil society promo ng the genera on,
dissemina on, use and mastery of Science, Technology andInnova ons (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. In collabora on with likeminded ins tu ons, ATPS provides pla orms for regional andinterna onal research and knowledge sharing in order tobuild Africa’s capabili es in STI policy research, policymaking
and implementa on for sustainable development.
Published by the African Technology
Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
P. O. Box 10081, 00100- GPO,
Nairobi, Kenya©2024
ISBN: 978-9966-124-60-9ii

Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

Table of Contents
About the Project ....................................................................................... iv
About Africa Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)............................ vi
Acknowledgement...................................................................................... vii
Key Messages............................................................................................. viii
1. Introduc on ......................................................................................... 1
2. Ra onale for Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC implementa on ........ 3
3. Methodology ....................................................................................... 5
4. Major Findings...................................................................................... 6
5. Conclusion............................................................................................. 12
6. Policy Recommenda ons..................................................................... 13
References............................................................................................ 16
ATPS Technopolicy Brief Series ............................................................ 17

Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)iii

About the Project
The Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs), with it’s condi onal anduncondi onal commitments, are key by-products of the Agreement andrequire all the countries to spell out their intended ac ons, to address climatechange over a ﬁve year period in terms of adapta on, mi ga on, and meansof implementa on as well as opportuni es arising therefrom and sustainable
development co-beneﬁts for the con nent. Despite the Paris Agreement providing
li le guidance on what and how climate change adapta on would be includedin the NDCs, most African NDCs highlight a number of cross-cu ng strategies
to address their mi ga on ambi ons as well as their adapta on needs. Thisis purblind considering the con nent is already dealing with increased severity
and frequency of climate risks and hazards due to its geographical posi oning,
overreliance on climate-sensi ve produc on sectors such as agriculture,
tourism, resource, and infrastructure deﬁcit, and the limited adap ve capacityof the people.
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), in partnership with
the Pan-African Climate Jus ce Alliance (PACJA) and the West African Green
Economics Development Ins tute (WAGEDI), secured funding from the African
Development Bank (AfDB) through the African Climate Change Fund (ACCF) to
implement the “Building the Capacity of Selected sub-Sahara African Countries
to Eﬀec vely Measure Progress in their Na onally Determined Contribu ons’
Implementa on using Tracking Tools and Indexes” project aimed at enhancing
the capacity of selected sub-Saharan African countries to eﬀec vely monitor
and report on their Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). The selected
countries include Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia,
Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The primary
goal is to develop and u lise tracking tools and indexes that will enable thesecountries to measure their progress in NDC implementa on accurately. Thisini a ve builds upon earlier collabora ons among ATPS, PACJA, and WAGEDI,
which involved the development of NDC implementa on monitoring andtracking tools in eight sub-Saharan African countries. The lessons learned fromthese earlier projects, as well as the networks and capaci es already established,
will provide a solid founda on for the current project. The collabora on aims toensure that par cipa ng countries can monitor their NDC progress and compare
their performance with other countries and regions in Africa.

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Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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The project seeks to address a signiﬁcant gap in the capacity of sub-SaharanAfrican countries to track and report on the implementa on of their NDCs. The
ATPS operates through a network of Na onal Chapters in 30 countries, which
includes 27 African and 3 Diaspora chapters. These Na onal Chapters are led
by Focal Persons who provide intellectual and administra ve leadership at thecountry level. By leveraging this established network, the project aims to train
NDC implementa on focal persons and champions who will use the tracking andmonitoring tools developed through this ini a ve.

Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)v

About Africa Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS)The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a transdisciplinary
network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and civil society
promo ng the genera on, dissemina on, use and mastery of Science,
Technology and Innova ons (STI) for African development, environmental
sustainability and global inclusion. The ATPS has over 5,000 members and 3000
stakeholders in over 51 countries in 5 con nents with ins tu onal partnerships
worldwide. We implement our programs through members in na onal chaptersestablished in 30 countries (27 in Africa and 3 Diaspora chapters in Australia, theUnited States of America, and the United Kingdom). In collabora on with likeminded ins tu ons, the ATPS provides pla orms for regional and interna onal
research and knowledge sharing in order to build Africa’s capabili es in STI policy
research, policymaking and implementa on for sustainable development.

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Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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Acknowledgement
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) and its Partners PanAfrican Climate Jus ce Alliance (PACJA) and West African Green Economic
Development Ins tute (WAGEDI) express our sincere gra tude to all individuals
and organiza ons who contributed to the study on the implementa on of
Kenya’s Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs). We are also thankful to thevarious stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organiza ons, theprivate sector, and local communi es led by the Kenya ATPS Na onal Chapter
Coordinator for their invaluable insights and feedback. Their ac ve par cipa on
and collabora on have been instrumental in shaping a comprehensive andinclusive approach to climate ac on in Côte d’Ivoire. Special thanks to theproject team from all the partnering ins tu ons. Lastly, we acknowledge theﬁnancial and technical support provided by the African Development Bank(AfDB) through its African Climate Change Fund (ACCF), without which thispolicy brief would not have been possible.

Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)vii

Key Messages
 Kenya has made signiﬁcant strides in implemen ng its Na onally Determined
Contribu ons (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, driven by a robust policy
and ins tu onal framework that creates an enabling environment for climate
ac on.
 Despite notable progress, Kenya faces challenges such as limited ﬁnancial
resources, capacity constraints, policy fragmenta on, and inadequate publicawareness which hinder the full realiza on of its climate objec ves. Overcoming
these challenges will require strategic partnerships, capacity building ini a ves,
policy coherence, public engagement strategies, and targeted incen ves to
unlock Kenya’s poten al for sustainable development.
 Opportuni es exist in enhanced climate ﬁnance strategies, knowledge transfer
mechanisms, mainstreaming climate considera ons into development plans,
public awareness campaigns, and renewable energy incen ves, which canstrengthen Kenya’s climate ac on eﬀorts and contribute to the achievement of
the Sustainable Development Goals.
 Collabora ve eﬀorts and a shared commitment among policymakers,
stakeholders, and development partners are crucial to achieving Kenya’s NDC
goals and fostering sustainable development, posi oning the country as aregional leader in climate ac on and inspiring collec ve global ac on towards
a sustainable and resilient future.

viii Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

1. Introduc on
Climate change poses an unprecedented challenge to humanity, and its impacts
are already being felt across the globe (IPCC, 2021). As a signatory to theParis Agreement, Kenya has commi ed to ambi ous targets in its Na onally
Determined Contribu ons (NDCs) to mi gate greenhouse gas emissions andadapt to the adverse eﬀects of climate change (Government of Kenya, 2020).
The country’s NDC outlines a comprehensive strategy to address climatechange through various sectors, including energy, forestry, agriculture, andtransporta on.
Kenya’s NDC aims to achieve a 32% reduc on in greenhouse gas emissions
by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario. This ambi ous target isunderpinned by several key objec ves, such as increasing the share of renewableenergy in the na onal energy mix, promo ng sustainable land-use prac ces, andenhancing resilience in vulnerable sectors. Addi onally, Kenya has pledged to
implement adapta on measures to strengthen the country’s ability to withstandthe impacts of climate change, par cularly in areas such as water resourcesmanagement, agriculture, and coastal zone protec on (Government of Kenya,2020).
Achieving ambi ous climate goals demands a coordinated eﬀort from diverse
stakeholders, encompassing government agencies, private sector en es,
civil society organiza ons, and local communi es (Onyango et al., 2016).
Eﬀec ve stakeholder par cipa on is important for several reasons. First,
engaging stakeholders ensures that a wide array of perspec ves, interests, andconcerns are considered in cra ing and execu ng climate change policies andstrategies. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and bolsters thelegi macy of decision-making processes (Munyasya & Chikoore, 2021). Second,
stakeholders contribute valuable knowledge, exper se, and experiences that
can inform and enhance climate change interven ons. Collabora ve eﬀorts
facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skill development, and the crea on of
tailored solu ons for speciﬁc contexts (Owuor et al., 2019). Third, stakeholder
engagement enables the pooling of resources, both ﬁnancial and non-ﬁnancial,from diverse sectors and actors (Favre o et al., 2021). This mobiliza on is crucial
for eﬀec vely implemen ng Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs), whicho en necessitate signiﬁcant investments and collec ve ac on. Finally, involving
stakeholders in monitoring and evalua ng NDC implementa on promotes
transparency, accountability, and public trust. Their par cipa on also promotes
Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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ongoing reﬁnement and improvement of climate change policies and programs(Onyango et al., 2016).
The purpose of this policy brief is to highlight the challenges, opportuni es,
and proﬀer recommenda ons for enhancing stakeholder engagement in theimplementa on of Kenya’s NDC. By examining the stakeholder landscapeand iden fying key stakeholders, this brief aims to provide insights andrecommenda ons for fostering eﬀec ve collabora on, building capaci es,
and ensuring inclusive and par cipatory processes. Through a comprehensive
stakeholder mapping and analysis, this policy brief seeks to inform decisionmakers, development partners, and stakeholders on strategies to maximize thepoten als of stakeholder engagement in achieving Kenya’s climate change goals.
Ul mately, this brief aims to contribute to the collec ve eﬀort of building a more
resilient and sustainable future for Kenya and its people.

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2. Ra onale for Stakeholder Par cipa on in
NDC implementa on
The eﬀec ve implementa on of NDCs under the Paris Agreement, par cularly in
Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries like Kenya, hinges upon the cri cal importanceof stakeholder par cipa on (Onyango et al., 2016). This policy brief elucidates
the ra onale behind inclusive stakeholder engagement, tailored for a technicalaudience comprising top government technocrats, donors, academicians, andprac oners. Firstly, coherence with na onal development priori es stands
as a pivotal considera on. Notably, some SSA countries formulated their NDCs
without aligning them properly with na onal development plans (Munyasya &Chikoore, 2021). This disconnect can engender implementa on gaps and conﬂicts
between climate objec ves and economic development goals. The involvementof a diverse range of stakeholders’ government agencies, private sector en es,
civil society organiza ons, and local communi es can ensure synchronized NDC
implementa on with broader na onal development priori es. Addi onally, thisinclusive approach addresses unique challenges and harnesses opportuni es
within the country (Owuor et al., 2019).
Secondly, addressing capacity and resource constraints emerges as a pressing
concern. Many SSA countries grapple with similar ﬁnancial, capacity, andtechnological limita ons in vital areas like energy, agriculture, forestry, andinfrastructure (Juju et al., 2020). Stakeholder engagement facilitates knowledge
sharing, capacity building, and resource mobiliza on by leveraging the exper se,
experiences, and resources of various actors. Thirdly, eﬀec ve stakeholder
par cipa on facilitates the iden ﬁca on and capitaliza on of poten al cobeneﬁts and synergies between NDC implementa on and other development
goals, such as the United Na ons Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) andthe African Union Agenda 2063 (IPCC, 2021). By integra ng diverse perspec ves
and aligning climate ac ons with broader development objec ves, stakeholder
engagement maximizes posi ve impacts while mi ga ng poten al tradeoﬀs. Lastly, transparency and accountability is paramount towards ensuring
sustainable outcomes. Stakeholder involvement in monitoring, repor ng, andveriﬁca on (MRV) processes enhances transparency and accountability in NDC
implementa on. This fosters public trust, drives con nuous improvement, andenables eﬀec ve progress tracking towards climate change goals (Onyango etal., 2016).

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In the context of Kenya, several unique issues necessitate ac on from all
stakeholders. Firstly, limited progress in NDC planning, as highlighted by a UNDP
survey, underscores the urgency for stakeholder engagement to provide valuable
inputs, facilitate coordina on, and expedite the planning process (Governmentof Kenya, 2020). Addi onally, Kenya’s exis ng climate change-related plans suchas the na onal climate change strategy, Na onal Adapta on Plan, and sectoral
mi ga on plans require alignment with stakeholder eﬀorts to ensure eﬀec ve
implementa on (Government of Kenya, 2020). Moreover, Kenya’s NDC targets
span mul ple sectors, each presen ng dis nct challenges and opportuni esthat mandate involvement from relevant stakeholders to devise context-speciﬁc
and pragma c solu ons (Government of Kenya, 2020).
Fostering inclusive stakeholder par cipa on in Kenya’s NDC implementa on
is impera ve. By leveraging diverse perspec ves, exper se, and resources,
Kenya can surmount capacity constraints, align climate ac ons with na onal
development priori es, promote transparency and accountability, and ul mately
achieve its ambi ous NDC targets while maximizing co-beneﬁts and synergies
with other sustainable development goals.

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Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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3. Methodology
The research study u lized a combina on of primary and secondary datacollec on methods. The bulk of the data was collected through desk study,
involving a comprehensive review of both grey and published materials. This
included examining reports and other secondary informa on such as NDCs,
climate change policies, and relevant literature available in the public domain.
The documents reviewed encompassed: na onal climate change policies andstrategies; reports on climate change projects and ini a ves in the country;
various knowledge and research works on climate change mi ga on andadapta on in the country. The secondary data collected through desk study wascomplemented with primary data obtained through quan ta ve and qualita ve
surveys. These surveys u lized both structured and open-ended ques onnaires
to gather informa on. Key informants in Kenya were iden ﬁed based on theﬁndings from the desk studies and were interviewed to gain deeper insights
into the subject ma er. To further validate and triangulate the data obtained
from desk studies and key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions
were conducted. Par cipants in these discussions were drawn from both the key
informants and various stakeholder categories, including government oﬃcials,
representa ves from the private sector, civil society organiza ons (NGOs),
researchers, and media/development partners.

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4. Major Findings
4.1 Overview of key policies and ins tu ons involved in NDC Implementa on
Kenya has established a robust policy and legisla ve framework to address
climate change, foster sustainable development, and promote stakeholder
par cipa on. The Cons tu on of Kenya (2010) recognizes the right to a clean andhealthy environment, emphasizing sustainable natural resource management
and measures to address climate change impacts. This cons tu onal mandate
underpins various policies and strategies aimed at enhancing environmental
sustainability and climate ac on.
The Kenya Vision 2030 (2008), is the country’s long-term development blueprint,
seeks to transform Kenya into a globally compe ve and prosperous na on
while addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, including
climate change. It promotes climate change mi ga on and adapta on measures,
sustainable agriculture, energy, transport, and infrastructure development,
and strengthens ins tu onal and legal frameworks for eﬀec ve environmental
management.
The Na onal Climate Change Ac on Plan (NCCAP) (2018-2022) and the
Na onal Climate Change Response Strategy (2010) provide overarchingframeworks for coordina ng climate change ac ons and integra ng climate
considera ons into development planning and decision-making processes.
The Climate Risk Management Framework (2017) advocates for an integrated
approach to disaster risk reduc on, climate change adapta on, and sustainable
development. Sector-speciﬁc policies, such as the Kenya Climate Smart
Agriculture Strategy (KCSAS) (2017-2026), aim to adapt agricultural systems toclimate change while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Kenya’s NDC (2016)
under the Paris Agreement outlines the country’s commitments to mi ga on
and adapta on, subject to interna onal support in ﬁnance, technology, andcapacity development. The Climate Change Act (No. 11 of 2016) establishes acomprehensive legal framework for climate change governance, including the
Na onal Climate Change Council, Climate Change Directorate, and Climate
Change Fund. The Na onal Adapta on Plan (2015-2030) consolidates thecountry’s vision on adapta on, proposing macro-level ac ons across various
sectors.
Other relevant policies, such as the Na onal Climate Finance Policy (2018),
and the Environmental Management and Coordina on Act (EMCA, 2015)
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promote the establishment of legal, ins tu onal, and repor ng frameworks foraccessing and managing climate ﬁnance, and ensuring stakeholder par cipa onin environmental management, respec vely. The County Governments Act(2012) recognizes climate change as a concurrent func on of na onal andcounty governments, manda ng the integra on of climate change priori es andac ons into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). This decentralized
approach ensures stakeholder engagement at the local level and facilitates theimplementa on of context-speciﬁc climate change responses.
Overall, Kenya’s policy and legisla ve framework underscores the importanceof stakeholder par cipa on, promo ng inclusive decision-making, knowledge
sharing, resource mobiliza on, and accountability in achieving the country’s
climate change goals and sustainable development objec ves.
4.2 Best prac ces and impacts in NDC implementa on
Kenya’s successful implementa on of its NDCs under the Paris Agreement has
been very remarkable; demonstra ng the na on’s unwavering commitment
to comba ng climate change and promo ng sustainable development. This
accomplishment is a testament to the adop on of best prac ces and eﬀec ve
strategies that have propelled the country towards achieving its ambi ous
climate goals. Through a profound understanding and applica on of these bestprac ces, Kenya has emerged as a regional leader in climate ac on, se ng an
exemplary precedence for other na ons to follow.
At the core of Kenya’s success lies the intrinsic understanding that climate ac on
cannot be pursued in isola on but must be intricately woven into the fabricof na onal development strategies. The government’s foresight in integra ng
climate objec ves into key policy frameworks, such as the Vision 2030 and theMedium-Term Plans, ensured that climate considera ons were mainstreamed
across various sectors. This holis c approach garnered widespread support
and facilitated a coordinated eﬀort towards NDC implementa on, aligning thena on’s developmental aspira ons with its environmental commitments.
Equally crucial has been the recogni on of the value of mul -stakeholder
engagement in this endeavour. Kenya’s journey has been characterized by ac ve
collabora on and par cipa on from a diverse array of stakeholders, including
civil society organiza ons, private sector en es, academia, and interna onal
development partners. By harnessing the collec ve exper se, resources, andinnova ve ideas of these stakeholders, the country has cul vated a sense of
Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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shared responsibility and fostered transparency, legi macy, and accountability
in the NDC implementa on process.
Underpinning these eﬀorts has been the strategic strengthening of ins tu ons
dedicated to climate ac on. The establishment of the Climate Change Directorate(CCD) within the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has provided a focal
point for coordina ng climate-related ac vi es, ensuring policy coherence andeﬃcient resource alloca on. The CCD’s proac ve approach to capacity building
and knowledge-sharing has further enhanced the na on’s ability to implement
climate policies eﬀec vely.
Climate ﬁnance mobiliza on has been a cri cal enabler of Kenya’s successstories. The country has ac vely sought and mobilized climate ﬁnance throughbilateral and mul lateral channels, leveraging interna onal climate funds andcatalyzing domes c ﬁnancing mechanisms (Kiremu et al., 2022). This inﬂux ofﬁnancial resources has underpinned the implementa on of various climate
projects and ini a ves, ranging from the promo on of clean energy solu ons toecosystem-based adapta on measures in arid and semi-arid regions. Moreover,
Kenya has embraced technology transfer and innova on as key drivers of its NDC
implementa on (Radeny et al., 2020). The na on’s focus on renewable energy
development, par cularly in the realms of geothermal, wind, and solar power,
has been facilitated by the adop on of innova ve technologies and strategic
partnerships with the private sector. Technological advancements have also been
applied in agriculture and water management to enhance climate resilienceand food security, underscoring the na on’s commitment to a sustainable andresilient future.
The tangible impacts of these best prac ces are evident in the remarkable growthof Kenya’s renewable energy sector, the enhanced resilience of vulnerable
communi es to climate impacts, the preserva on of biodiversity, the crea onof green jobs, and the interna onal recogni on garnered for the country’s
ambi ous climate ac on eﬀorts. Kenya’s success in NDC implementa on serves
as a beacon of hope and inspira on to other na ons grappling with addressing
the challenges of climate change. By embedding climate ac on into na onal
development strategies, promo ng inclusive mul -stakeholder engagement,
strengthening ins tu onal frameworks, mobilizing climate ﬁnance, andembracing technological innova on, Kenya has demonstrated that ambi ous
climate goals can be achieved through strategic and collabora ve eﬀorts. As theworld grapples with the ever-increasing urgency of addressing climate change,
Kenya’s best prac ces oﬀer valuable lessons and a roadmap for other na ons
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seeking to build their capacity to measure and achieve progress in their NDC
implementa on.
4.3 Challenges to Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC Implementa on
The road to implemen ng Kenya’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement has been
paved with commendable eﬀorts and admirable progress. However, like any
ambi ous endeavour, the journey has been fraught with challenges that havehindered the full realiza on of the country’s climate objec ves. Understanding
these challenges is crucial for developing eﬀec ve strategies and ensuring theachievement of climate targets.
One of the most formidable challenges Kenya has faced is the limited availabilityof ﬁnancial resources. Despite concerted eﬀorts to mobilize climate ﬁnancethrough various channels, securing adequate funding for NDC implementa on
has been a persistent obstacle. The costs associated with transi oning to clean
energy, implemen ng climate adapta on measures, and building climateresilient infrastructure are substan al, o en exceeding the na on’s ﬁnancial
capabili es. Insuﬃcient ﬁnancial resources have hindered the scale-up ofambi ous climate projects and ini a ves, par cularly those targe ng vulnerable
communi es.
Moreover, capacity constraints have emerged as a signiﬁcant barrier to eﬀec ve
climate ac on. Building the technical capacity of ins tu ons and government
agencies involved in climate-related ac vi es remains a daun ng challenge.
Adequate exper se and skills are required to eﬀec vely implement and monitor
climate policies, as well as to develop data-driven strategies and adopt bestprac ces. Insuﬃcient training hindered the development of this cri cal humancapital, leading to subop mal policy outcomes and hampering the na on’s
ability to fully leverage its poten al for climate ac on.
Policy fragmenta on and inconsistency have also posed challenges in Kenya’s
NDC implementa on. In some cases, climate policies may lack cohesivealignment, resul ng in fragmented eﬀorts and a lack of synergy. Inconsistencies
between na onal, regional, and local policies can lead to conﬂic ng priori es
and hinder smooth implementa on. This lack of policy coherence can also
create uncertainty for investors and stakeholders, undermining the conﬁdence
needed to drive transforma ve change.
Furthermore, inadequate public awareness and par cipa on have emerged
as barriers to eﬀec ve climate ac on. Widespread public understanding andPaving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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engagement are crucial for building the support and momentum required todrive ambi ous climate policies. Limited awareness of climate change issues
and the importance of NDC implementa on can hinder public par cipa on
in climate ini a ves, weakening the poli cal will needed to sustain long-termclimate ac on.
Kenya’s economy remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as coal and oil,which contribute signiﬁcantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Transi oning to
renewable energy sources requires careful planning, investment, and policy
support to ensure a smooth and just transi on for aﬀected communi es andindustries. This dependency on fossil fuels has posed challenges in the na on’seﬀorts to rapidly decarbonize its energy sector and meet its climate targets.
Despite these challenges, Kenya’s unwavering commitment to comba ng
climate change and fostering sustainable development remains steadfast.
By acknowledging and addressing these hurdles, the na on can unlock newopportuni es for progress and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable
future. Overcoming ﬁnancial constraints through innova ve ﬁnancing
mechanisms, interna onal coopera on, and private sector engagement could
unlock the resources needed to accelerate climate ac on. Strengthening
ins tu onal capacity through targeted training, knowledge sharing, and strategic
partnerships could bolster the na on’s ability to develop and implementeﬀec ve climate policies. Fostering policy coherence and alignment acrossvarious levels of government and sectors could ensure a harmonized approach
to climate ac on, minimizing conﬂic ng priori es and maximizing synergies.
Enhancing public awareness and par cipa on through educa on, community
engagement, and inclusive decision-making processes could build the necessary
support and momentum for sustained climate ac on. Lastly, a carefully plannedand just transi on away from fossil fuels, coupled with investment in renewableenergy sources and green technologies, could pave the way for a low-carbon,
climate-resilient economy.
4.4 Opportuni es for Stakeholder Par cipa on in NDC Implementa on
The successful implementa on of Kenya’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement
has been a journey marked by commendable eﬀorts and remarkable progress,
yet it has also encountered formidable challenges that have hindered the full
realiza on of the country’s climate objec ves. However, amidst these challenges,
opportuni es emerge, presen ng Kenya with a chance to harness new pathways
and strategies that can further enhance its climate ac on eﬀorts.
10 Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
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One such opportunity lies in the realm of enhanced climate ﬁnance strategies.
While ﬁnancial constraints have posed a signiﬁcant hurdle, Kenya can explore
innova ve mechanisms to bridge the climate ﬁnance gap. Strengthening
partnerships with the private sector, exploring green bonds, and leveraging
interna onal climate funds can unlock new sources of funding for sustainableprojects. Crea ng an enabling environment that fosters conﬁdence and a racts
private capital investments can catalyse the transi on towards a low-carbon,
climate-resilient economy.
Capacity building and knowledge transfer present another opportunity for
Kenya to bolster its technical exper se in climate ac on. Inves ng in targetedtraining programs and skill development ini a ves for relevant ins tu ons
and government agencies can enhance their ability to eﬀec vely implement
and monitor climate policies. Partnering with interna onal organiza ons andins tu ons can facilitate the exchange of best prac ces, fostering a culture of
con nuous learning and adapta on.
Mainstreaming climate considera ons into na onal, regional, and local
development plans oﬀers a pathway to policy coherence and ensuring thatclimate ac on aligns seamlessly with broader development objec ves. By
integra ng climate priori es into these cri cal planning frameworks, Kenya canfacilitate eﬃcient resource alloca on, streamline implementa on eﬀorts, andmaximize the co-beneﬁts of sustainable development.
Public awareness and educa on campaigns present a powerful opportunity tofoster a culture of climate consciousness among the Kenyan populace. Launchingtargeted campaigns that educate ci zens about the impacts of climate change,
the importance of NDC implementa on, and the beneﬁts of sustainable prac ces
can generate widespread public support and encourage behavioural changes.
An informed and engaged ci zenry can serve as a driving force for sustained
climate ac on, reinforcing the poli cal will and commitment needed to achieve
Kenya’s climate goals.
Furthermore, implemen ng incen ves and policies to accelerate the adop onof renewable energy sources can facilitate the na on’s transi on away fromfossil fuels. Promo ng investment in renewable energy infrastructure, providing
subsidies, and streamlining regulatory processes can create an enabling
environment that encourages the private sector and households to embraceclean energy solu ons. This transi on not only contributes to mi ga ng
greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances energy security and fosters
sustainable economic growth.
Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng 11
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

5. Conclusion
Kenya’s progress in implemen ng its NDCs under the Paris Agreement
exempliﬁes a strong commitment to comba ng climate change, underpinned
by a robust policy framework and ins tu onal support. However, signiﬁcantchallenges remain, including limited ﬁnancial resources, capacity constraints,
policy fragmenta on, and inadequate public awareness. Addressing theseissues will require strategic partnerships, capacity-building, policy coherence,
public engagement, and targeted incen ves. Despite these obstacles, Kenya has
substan al opportuni es to enhance its climate ac on. Eﬀec ve climate ﬁnancestrategies, knowledge transfer mechanisms, integra on of climate considera ons
into development plans, public awareness campaigns, and renewable energy
incen ves present promising avenues. Seizing these opportuni es will not
only advance Kenya’s climate objec ves but also contribute to the Sustainable
Development Goals, fostering a prosperous and environmentally conscious
society. Its therefore impera ve for policymakers to priori ze policy coherence
and integrate climate considera ons into all levels of development planning.
Civil society, the private sector, and local communi es should ac vely engage
in climate ini a ves, leveraging their exper se and resources. Development
partners and interna onal organiza ons need to bolster support for capacity
building, knowledge transfer, and climate ﬁnance mobiliza on.

12 Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

6. Policy Recommenda ons
To ensure eﬀec ve NDC implementa on in Kenya, the following recommenda ons
are proﬀered:
Recommenda on 1: The government should collaborate with interna onal
development partners, civil society, and ﬁnancial ins tu ons to establish a
dedicated climate ﬁnance facility to achieve sustainable and eﬃcient resource
alloca on for climate ac on: The establishment of a dedicated Climate Finance
Facility that will address the pressing need for mobilizing and coordina ng
climate ﬁnance, will serve as a centralized pla orm, aggrega ng funds fromvarious sources such as interna onal climate funds, green bonds, and private
sector investments. By priori zing sustainable projects aligned with Kenya’s
NDCs, the facility will enhance climate resilience, biodiversity conserva on, andoverall sustainable development. The government of Kenya will lead this ini a vein collabora on with relevant stakeholders, ensuring eﬀec ve coordina on,transparency and resource alloca on.
Recommenda on 2: The government in partnership with interna onalorganiza ons and ins tu ons should establish a comprehensive Capacity
Building Program for enhancing the technical exper se of relevant ins tu ons
and government agencies involved in climate ac on: The capacity building
program should priori ze targeted training programs and skill development
ini a ves aimed at equipping personnel with the necessary knowledge andtools to eﬀec vely implement and monitor climate policies. The government
should take the lead in ini a ng and coordina ng the capacity-building
program, including alloca ng resources, se ng priori es, and overseeing theimplementa on of training ini a ves. Interna onal organiza ons such as theUnited Na ons Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and researchins tu ons can facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building; providing
technical exper se, training materials, and funding support for capacity-building
ini a ves. By inves ng in targeted capacity-building ini a ves and fosteringcollabora on with interna onal partners, Kenya can enhance its technicalexper se in climate ac on and eﬀec vely measure progress in implemen ng its
NDCs, enabling the country to fulﬁl its climate commitments and contribute to
global eﬀorts to combat climate change.
Recommenda on 3: The government should lead in the integra on of climate
considera ons into development plans: The government of Kenya should
Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng 13
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

spearhead eﬀorts to integrate climate considera ons into development plans.
This ini a ve entails convening relevant stakeholders across sectors to discuss
ac ons being taken to achieve the targeted 30% reduc on of greenhousegases by 2030, as outlined in the updated NDC. Through these discussions,stakeholders can iden fy ac vi es requiring policy support for eﬀec venessand eﬃciency. Subsequently, these considera ons should be integrated into
all na onal, regional, and local development plans to ensure policy coherence
and alignment across various sectors and levels of government. To support thisintegra on, robust monitoring and evalua on mechanisms must be establishedto track progress and facilitate adap ve management.
Recommenda on 4: A joint approach by stakeholders involved in NDC
implementa on in Kenya including government, private sector, researchorganiza ons, civil socie es in launching na onwide climate-conscious
campaigns: Public awareness and educa onal ini a ves oﬀer a signiﬁcant chance
to cul vate a culture of climate consciousness within the Kenyan popula on.
These campaigns should be tailored to educate ci zens about the detrimental
impacts of climate change, emphasize the signiﬁcance of implemen ng NDCs,
and highlight the beneﬁts of adop ng sustainable prac ces. By dissemina ng
targeted informa on, these campaigns have the poten al to cul vate awidespread culture of climate consciousness among the Kenyan populace. An
informed and engaged ci zenry can act as a catalyst for sustained climate ac on,
bolstering the poli cal will and commitment necessary to realize Kenya’s climate
goals eﬀec vely.
Recommenda on 5: The government should introduce and implement
incen ves and policies that can accelerate the adop on of renewable energy
transi on plans: To expedite Kenya’s transi on away from fossil fuels towards
renewable energy sources, the government should implement a na onal
renewable energy transi on ini a ve. This ini a ve should encompass a range
of incen ves and policies aimed at accelera ng the adop on of clean energy
solu ons across the na on. Firstly, the government should priori ze promo ng
investment in renewable energy infrastructure by oﬀering tax breaks, grants, andother ﬁnancial incen ves to investors in the renewable energy sector. Secondly,
providing subsidies for renewable energy technologies such as solar panels,
wind turbines, and biomass systems can make these solu ons more accessible
and aﬀordable for both the private sector and households. Addi onally,
streamlining regulatory processes and reducing bureaucra c barriers associatedwith renewable energy projects will create an enabling environment conducive
14 Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

to investment and development in the sector. By transi oning to renewableenergy sources, Kenya can not only mi gate greenhouse gas emissions but
also enhance energy security and foster sustainable economic growth, therebyaligning with its climate goals and promo ng environmental sustainability.

Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng 15
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

References
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Issue: “Collabora on and Mul -Stakeholder Engagement in Landscape
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First/Kenya’s%20First%20%20NDC%20(updated%20version).pdf
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Kiremu, M., Scrimgeour, F., Mutegi, J., & Mumo, R. (2022). Climate ﬁnancereadiness: A review of ins tu onal frameworks and policies in Kenya.
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risk and vulnerability assessment framework for climate change andmalaria transmission in East Africa. Malaria journal, 15(1), 1-13. h ps://doi.
org/10.1186/s12936-016-1510-1
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in water resources management in the Tana River basin, Kenya. Environmental
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Program on Climate Change, Agricu

16 Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

ATPS TechnoPolicy Briefs Series• Quelle Est La Place De La Science, De La Technologie Et De L’innova on Dans
L’emploi Des Jeunes Au Sénégal ? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 71)• Using Science, Technology, and Innova on to Enhance Skills Development, Job
Crea on, and Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 70)• Fostering the future and livelihood of young people in Uganda throughScience, Technology, and Innova on (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 69)• What is the place of Science, Technology, and Innova on in Youth Employment
in Senegal? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 68)• Understanding Rwanda’s Science, Technology, and Innova on Landscape in
Youth Employment Crea on (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 67)• Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innova on for Enhanced Youth
Employment in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 66)• Unlocking the Poten al of Educa on and Skills for Suppor ng Youth
Employment in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 65)• Harnessing Science and Technological Innova on for Youth Employment andSkill Acquisi on in Ghana (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 64)• Is Ethiopia’s Science, Technology, and Innova on Policy Landscape Eﬀec velyCrea ng Jobs and Fostering Skills for the Youth? (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No.
63)• University-Led Ecosystems for Sustained Innova on and Entrepreneurship
Development in Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 62)• Eco-innova on Policies for Sustainable Development in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 61)• Ins tu onal Landscape for Eco-innova on Development in Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 60)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Benin(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 59)• Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in Kenya (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 58)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in
Senegal (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 57)• Advancing Ecological Organic Agriculture in Nigeria (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief
No. 56)• Policy and Ins tu onal Framework for Ecological Organic Agriculture in
Rwanda (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 55)• Bridging Climate Informa on Gaps to Strengthen Capaci es for Climate Informed
Decision (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 54)
Paving the Way for Climate Ac on: Kenya’s Journey towards Implemen ng 17
the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)

• Embracing Open Contrac ng in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 53)• The Digital Revolu on, Open Science, and Innova on for Open Science Developmentin Sub-Saharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 52)• Nouvelles approaches de ﬁ nancement de la recherché et de L’innova on en Afrique(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 51)• New Approaches for Funding Research and Innova on in Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy
Brief No. 50)• Towards Eﬀec ve Public-Private Partnerships in Research and Innova on: A
Perspec ve for African Science Gran ng Councils (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 49)• Innova ve Prac ces and Policies for Promo ng Biodiversity Informa cs in SubSaharan Africa (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 48)• Improving the Relevance of University Training to Labour Market Demands in Africa(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 47)• Developing Policies for Biodiversity Informa cs in sub-Saharan Africa (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 46)• ICTs role in Agricultural Development: Prospects of Land Poten al Knowledge System(LandPKS) (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 45)• Mainstreaming Gender in the Na onal Science, Technology and Innova on (STI)
Policy of Kenya (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 44)• Social Innova on: An Untapped Resource for Inclusive Green Growth (ATPSTechnoPolicy Brief No. 43)• Policy Axes that Can Uphold Agricultural Innova ons for Climate Change Adapta on
and Food Security in Central Africa: Case of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central
African Republic (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 42)• Frameworks for Intellectual Property Protec on of Tradi onal Knowledge in Tanzania(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 41)• Assessment of Possible Intellectual Property Protec on Op ons of Tradi onal
Knowledge System in Ethiopia (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 40)• Towards inﬂuencing Na onal Legisla on, Policies, Strategies and Programmes forappropriate Protec on and Beneﬁt-Sharing of Tradi onal Knowledge (TK) with andby Tradi onal Herbalists in Uganda. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 39)• Tradi onal Healers and their Provision of Mental Health Services in Cosmopolitan
Informal Se lements in Nairobi, Kenya. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 38)• Policy Implica ons for Intellectual Property Systems for Tradi onal Healers in
Lesotho. (ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 37)• Incidence of Indigenous and Innova ve Climate Change Adapta on Prac ces for
Smallholder Framers’ Livelihood Security in Chikhwawa District, Southern Malawi.
(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 36)• Machobane Farming System and its Relevance to Climate Change Policy in Lesotho.
(ATPS TechnoPolicy Brief No. 35)

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the Na onally Determined Contribu ons (NDCs)HNO

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