The COP climate talks under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are “no longer fit for purpose” and urgently require an overhaul, according to key experts, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and former UN climate officials.
Speaking at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighted the economic impact of climate change, noting it is slicing up to 5% off GDP in many countries.
Kenya is stepping up in the climate fight, targeting a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This ambitious goal is part of Kenya’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), revised four years ago due to more frequent, intense weather events, and the toll of climate change on the economy. In its NDC for 2020-2030, Kenya, heavily reliant on climate-sensitive resources, has pledged to pursue a low-carbon, climate-resilient development path. The goal? A sustainable development agenda that brings Kenya closer to net-zero through a commitment to reducing emissions across energy, industrial processes, agriculture, land use, forestry, and waste. The primary gases targeted include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). As the world gathers at COP29 in Baku, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the critical importance of new national climate plans. “The quality of those NDC submissions is of greatest importance,” he stated, underscoring that the current commitments are due for an update next year. Financing these ambitious goals will require a colossal investment. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that two trillion dollars are needed this year alone for clean energy and infrastructure. Stiell pointed out that much of this investment is concentrated in only a few major markets, urging that funds “must flow to where they’re needed most.” Kenya’s NDC, faced with a considerable financial burden, aims to cover 21% of mitigation costs from domestic sources, leaving 79% reliant on international finance, technology, and capacity-building support. Top priorities include enhancing renewable energy in Kenya’s already 93% green power grid, as highlighted by President William Ruto. Other key initiatives include improving energy efficiency, reaching 10% tree cover nationwide, achieving land degradation neutrality, and scaling up nature-based solutions. Efforts also focus on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable waste management, and harnessing blue economy potential through coastal carbon payment for ecosystem services (PES). Adaptation measures are equally critical, with a focus on building resilience across disaster risk reduction, agriculture, health, urbanization, and vulnerable groups. Kenya’s NDC targets disaster resilience at national and local levels, aiming to support community-led climate actions and mainstream climate adaptation into development plans. According to Stiell, this massive undertaking isn’t optional. “Unless all countries can slash emissions deeply, every country and every household will be hammered even harder than they currently are,” he warned. The alternative? “A permanent inflationary nightmare,” a reality Stiell says the world cannot afford. As COP29 continues, Kenya and other nations face the challenge of turning pledges into tangible, high-impact action—underscoring that global climate resilience is a shared responsibility and essential for a sustainable future.
The recent endorsement of global carbon market standards under Article 6.4 during COP29 in Baku marks a significant development in climate finance and carbon emissions trading, especially beneficial for developing countries like Kenya. This standard allows countries to trade carbon emission reductions, aiming to accelerate the implementation of climate action plans through financial support and accessible carbon markets.
Researchers have warned that climate change threatens the future of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which includes Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
34-year-old Peter Mbiria is breathing new life into aging cars by replacing their outdated carburetor systems with cutting-edge fuel injection technology
Waterkiosk has managed to provide safe and clean water to 30 hospitals with a daily production capacity of 1,000,000 litres, benefiting six million people annually. This has enabled the company to create direct jobs for 55 people and 150 indirectly.
By Wanja Mwaniki & Neville Ng’ambwa The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a stern warning to citizens as heavy downpours continue to wreak havoc across the nation, leading to widespread flooding in numerous regions. Taking to its social media platforms, the Department outlined a forecast indicating that the heavy rains are expected to persist in several key areas, including the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. Despite the deluge, some regions are experiencing unusually high daytime temperatures, with mercury levels soaring beyond 30°C. Counties such as Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale are particularly affected, presenting a unique challenge amid the prevailing weather conditions. On Tuesday, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Tana River County when Kenya Red Cross first responders, in conjunction with the local community, sprang into action to save 51 stranded occupants of a bus. The vehicle had become trapped by swiftly rising waters near Arer, close to Tulla village. Thanks to the swift response, all passengers were successfully rescued, with two boats dispatched to ferry them to safety. The situation remains dire in many parts of the country, with reports of flooding continuing to pour in. Government agencies like the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) have issued cautionary advisories to motorists, urging them to exercise vigilance while navigating waterlogged roads. Notably, the Nairobi-Garissa road has been severed by floods, prompting KeNHA personnel to deploy to the affected areas to initiate repairs and restore accessibility. In light of the ongoing crisis, numerous organizations have stepped up to provide guidance on how to mitigate risks and ensure safety during this tumultuous period. The Red Cross, in particular, has emphasized the peril of attempting to cross floodwaters either on foot or in vehicles, highlighting the inherent dangers posed by seemingly shallow water levels. As the country grapples with the dual challenges of heavy rainfall and soaring temperatures, the concerted efforts of emergency responders, community members, and government agencies remain paramount in safeguarding lives and minimizing the impact of inclement weather conditions.
Nairobi County has emerged as a leader in the food wastage index, with each resident squandering at least 8 kilograms of food monthly, as unveiled by the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 24. This translates to an average of 100 kilograms of various foods contributed annually by each Nairobian.
Trashion Kenya, an initiative conceived by Habiba Abdulrahman, made its mark in Dubai on Sunday, preceding the annual celebration of Global Recycling Day on March 18th. Through captivating displays, Habiba highlighted how waste can be ingeniously repurposed into fashionable garments, challenging conventional notions of sustainability in the fashion industry.
