Kenya and Climate Change: Challenges and Responses

Kenya, a vital economic hub in East Africa, faces significant challenges due to climate change. The nation’s economy, largely dependent on rainfed agriculture, tourism, and natural resources, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability. These sectors are critical to Kenya’s development, and as climate-related risks intensify, the country is proactively addressing these threats through adaptive strategies and mitigation efforts. Despite contributing less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, Kenya is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, positioning itself as a leader in global climate action.

Climate Risks and Vulnerabilities

Kenya’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, marked by extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts and intense rainfall. These fluctuations in climate patterns threaten food and water security, especially for the millions who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of Kenya’s GDP and employment, is particularly vulnerable to changes in rainfall patterns, making it a priority for climate adaptation.

Kenya’s tourism sector, another key pillar of its economy, is also under threat. The nation’s natural landscapes and wildlife, which attract millions of visitors annually, are sensitive to climate shifts. For example, altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures threaten the health of wildlife populations and their habitats, potentially undermining Kenya’s position as a top tourist destination.

Additionally, Kenya’s rapidly growing population and its dependence on natural resources such as forests and water sources add further pressure. Increased demand for energy, water, and food, compounded by the depletion of these resources due to unsustainable practices and climate change, exacerbates the problem.

Mitigation and Adaptation: Kenya’s Climate Policies

Kenya is actively pursuing a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway. In 2016, the country enacted the Climate Change Act, which set the foundation for nationwide climate action. The 2023 amendment to the Climate Change Act and the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027) further reinforce Kenya’s commitment to addressing climate change through strategic planning and policy enforcement. These policies focus on both mitigation—reducing emissions—and adaptation to the effects of climate change.

One of Kenya’s ambitious goals is to increase the share of renewable energy in its national grid to 100% by 2030. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially in power generation. Kenya has already made significant progress in renewable energy, with large-scale investments in geothermal, wind, and solar power. The Lake Turkana Wind Power project, the largest in Africa, and the Olkaria Geothermal Power plants demonstrate Kenya’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and secure energy independence.

Sustainable Agriculture and Climate-Smart Practices

Agriculture is central to Kenya’s climate change strategy. With over 75% of the population depending on agriculture, the sector’s vulnerability to changing weather patterns makes it a focal point for climate action. The government promotes climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a core strategy for adapting to climate change. CSA practices, such as drought-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation, and agroforestry, help build resilience by enhancing productivity and reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events.

In addition to CSA, Kenya is focusing on sustainable land management practices, including reforestation and afforestation. Forest restoration helps sequester carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and prevents soil erosion, which worsens the impacts of heavy rainfall. These efforts contribute to Kenya’s goals for both mitigation and adaptation, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Strengthening Resilience through Policy and Investments

Kenya’s strategy to combat climate change also focuses on strengthening resilience across various sectors. This includes improving water management systems, enhancing disaster preparedness, and integrating climate risks into urban planning. A key component of these efforts is the enhancement of Kenya’s early warning systems, which provide critical information on impending disasters such as droughts and floods, enabling communities to act proactively.

International partnerships play an essential role in supporting Kenya’s climate efforts. USAID, for example, has significantly contributed to the development of key policy frameworks and the implementation of climate programmes in Kenya. Through its collaborations, USAID has supported the country in advancing renewable energy projects, improving climate resilience, and fostering sustainable land management. A notable example is the Northern Kenya Carbon Project, which is a large-scale soil carbon initiative aimed at both mitigating climate change and providing economic benefits to local communities. 

The project has not only helped reduce carbon emissions but also generated revenue for community development, funding schools, water points, and other local projects. In 2024, Kenya is expected to further strengthen its collaboration with international partners to achieve its climate goals, with renewed efforts to secure additional climate finance and investment in adaptation projects.

The Role of Carbon Markets

Kenya has embraced carbon markets as part of its broader climate strategy. In collaboration with international donors and the private sector, Kenya is developing frameworks for carbon markets that facilitate the trading of carbon credits. This system encourages businesses and communities to engage in activities that reduce emissions, such as reforestation and renewable energy projects. The revenue generated from carbon trading is reinvested into local climate adaptation projects, supporting Kenya’s climate goals.

The establishment of carbon markets is a crucial step in Kenya’s commitment to reducing emissions by 32% by 2030, relative to a business-as-usual scenario. Carbon trading serves as a financial incentive for the country to meet its emission reduction targets while fostering investments in low-carbon technologies. Through these markets, Kenya aims to mobilise climate finance and create a sustainable source of funding for climate action.

Conclusion

Kenya is steadily advancing towards a climate-resilient future. Through a combination of innovative policies, sustainable practices, and international cooperation, the country is positioning itself as a leader in addressing climate change in Africa. While significant challenges remain, particularly as climate change impacts intensify, Kenya’s proactive approach to climate action offers valuable lessons for other nations facing similar threats.

The success of Kenya’s climate efforts will depend on its ability to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into all sectors of its economy. Additionally, continued investment in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and carbon markets will be key to ensuring that Kenya can withstand the impacts of climate change while achieving its sustainable development goals.

In the coming years, Kenya’s climate journey will not only benefit its own population but also offer insights for other countries in the region and globally. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, Kenya’s example of leadership, innovation, and resilience will be a beacon for others to follow.

Aric Jabari is a Fellow, and the Editorial Director at the Sixteenth Council.