Kenya is intensifying its efforts to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change, focusing on both localized community resilience and high-level international security partnerships. As the nation navigates its energy transition and environmental policy, government ministries are prioritizing coordinated national action to mitigate climate risks.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, alongside the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, has formalized strategic plans for the 2023–2027 period. These frameworks emphasize capacity building and the integration of climate adaptation into the national energy system. A significant component of this energy strategy involves diversifying power sources; the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has been conducting environmental and social assessments for a proposed nuclear power program. While the country continues to rely on bioenergy for a large portion of its domestic needs, it has made substantial progress in electrification, increasing electricity access from 30% in 2010 to over 75% by 2023, largely supported by the Last Mile Connectivity Project.
Beyond national infrastructure, there is a growing emphasis on grassroots climate adaptation. In informal settlements across Nairobi, Naivasha, and Kisumu—including areas like Mathare 4B, Kiamaiko, Nyalenda, and Bandani—community-led projects are addressing immediate environmental vulnerabilities. These initiatives focus on improving physical infrastructure, such as drainage systems in Kiamaiko to mitigate flooding and the construction of climate-resilient housing in Bandani. By designing homes to better withstand extreme heat and flooding, these projects aim to protect the livelihoods and wellbeing of residents who are disproportionately affected by climate shocks.
On the global stage, Kenya has joined forces with the United Kingdom and the European Union to highlight the security implications of environmental degradation. In a joint statement issued during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, representatives from these regions warned that the escalating climate crisis constitutes a direct threat to both national and international security. The coalition called for enhanced international cooperation to manage the economic, humanitarian, and security consequences of a changing climate.
Furthermore, Kenya is actively seeking to mobilize international investment to bolster its nature conservation and ecosystem restoration goals. By positioning environmental sustainability as a core component of its national development, the government aims to secure the financial and technical support necessary to implement its climate resilience agenda. These efforts reflect a broader strategy of balancing large-scale energy development with the protection of the natural environment and the safety of vulnerable communities.
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