climate change Kenya - Big3Africa.org

Kenya Off Track on Clean Cooking Goal as 37 Million Rely on Polluting Fuels

Peter Ngare April 2, 2026

Kenya is unlikely to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030, with nearly 37 million people still dependent on firewood and charcoal. A new report highlights slow progress, rising health risks, and widening inequality between urban and rural households.

Climate Change Food Systems

Kenya Climate Report Warns of Rising Food, Health and Economic Risks

Pauline Ongaji March 30, 2026

Kenya is facing a more volatile climate future as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather disrupt agriculture, strain health systems and threaten economic stability, according to the latest State of the Climate report.

Climate Change

Kenyans Rank Among World’s Least Happy Amid Climate Crisis and High Living Costs

Peter Ngare March 23, 2026

Kenya has been ranked among the world’s least happy countries in the World Happiness Report 2026, as rising living costs, climate shocks, and corruption weigh heavily on citizens. Experts warn that worsening environmental stress and economic strain are eroding wellbeing, even as strong community networks continue to provide a fragile safety net.

Conservation

Ecosystem Loss Costing Kenya Billions, World Bank Warns

Peter Ngare March 19, 2026

Kenya is losing billions annually due to degraded forests, wetlands and rangelands, according to a new World Bank report. The study warns that ecosystem loss is weakening climate resilience, cutting productivity and deepening economic vulnerability across key sectors.

Climate Change

Deforestation Could Be Amplifying Kenya’s Flood Disasters, New Research Warns

Peter Ngare March 18, 2026

Deforestation is significantly increasing flood risks in Kenya, with new research showing forest loss can make severe floods up to eight times more likely. Experts warn that degraded water towers and rapid urbanisation are compounding the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather.

Climate Change

Seven Swept Away by Floods in Makueni as Extreme Rains Renew Climate Concerns

Correspondent March 6, 2026

Seven people have died in Makueni County after being swept away by floods triggered by intense rains over the past two weeks. Authorities warn residents to avoid swollen rivers as experts link the rising frequency of extreme rainfall events to climate change.

Climate Change

Kenya Red Cross Calls for Climate Policy Overhaul

Peter Ngare February 23, 2026

The Kenya Red Cross is urging urgent policy reforms as climate-induced disasters become a recurring humanitarian crisis. A new brief calls for anticipatory action financing, faster passage of the National Disaster Risk Management Bill 2023, and stronger investment in resilience across Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands.

Conservation

Kenya Launches 10-Year Strategy to Reclaim Land from Toxic Mathenge Weed

Big3Africa Desk February 16, 2026

Kenya has launched its first-ever 10-year National Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) to combat the invasive Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as the Mathenge weed. Covering 2 million hectares across 22 counties, this systematic blueprint aims to reclaim grazing lands, restore waterways, and transform the toxic weed from a threat to a sustainable resource for local communities.

Climate Change

Kenya’s 2026 Long Rains Forecast Mixed Fortunes

Neville Ng'ambwa February 5, 2026

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) issues the MAM 2026 long-rains forecast, warning of uneven rainfall distribution, rising temperatures, and a dry outlook for the Coast.

Climate Change

World Edges Closer to 1.5°C Warming Threshold for Third Consecutive Year

Peter Ngare January 14, 2026

The world is nearing the 1.5°C climate threshold, with WMO data confirming that 2025 averaged 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, marking three consecutive years of record heat. Climate extremes are no longer rare, but a new global reality. For Kenya, this warming trajectory threatens food security, water resources, and public health, underscoring the urgency of climate-resilient action.