Kenya launches Green Economy strategy to accelerate its transition to an Inclusive Green Economy

27 July 2017 - The Kenyan Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, brought together various stakeholders in the green economy to launch the Green Economy Strategy Implementation Plan (GESIP), at the same time holding the SWITCH Africa Green National Networking Forum in Nairobi under the theme “Accelerating the transition to an inclusive green economy in Kenya”.

The aim of the event was to:

• Launch the Kenya Green Economy Strategy;
• Enhance stakeholder awareness and capacity for the accelerated adoption and implementation of inclusive green economy strategies and initiatives;
• Share experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of green economy initiatives.

Green economy investment is one of the ways in which Kenya can achieve sustainable, inclusive and transformative economic growth.

GESIP is Kenya’s blueprint for advancing towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, equitable and inclusive socioeconomic transformation. It builds on Kenya’s commitment to a low-carbon development pathway and represents a move forward with this commitment to integrate efficient resource use and minimal environmental impacts into Kenya’s economic development. It is significant that Kenya has developed this strategy at a time when the country’s economic development and the social well-being of its citizens is under growing threat from climate change, environmental degradation and natural resource depletion.

“The launch of the Green Economy Strategy is most significant because it marks a new dispensation in socioeconomic planning for Kenya.” Ms. Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

The event provided a platform for policymakers, partners and stakeholders to identify concrete opportunities to accelerate Kenya’s transition to an inclusive green economy.

“Kenya’s journey toward a truly inclusive green economy continues, and many challenges remain. The interest in and commitment of the Government, the private sector and civil society to supporting a sustainable and inclusive future is crucial. It is our responsibility as individuals and stakeholders to continue to put sustainability and equity at the heart of our economic decision-making.” Mr. Mette Knudsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Kenya

SWITCH Africa Green is one of the major initiatives for taking the actions envisioned in the strategy, to support Kenya in achieving sustainable development by engaging in the transition towards an inclusive green economy that generates growth, creates jobs and reduces poverty. Supported by the European Union, SWITCH Africa Green works with four grantees in the private sector, positively impacting about 500 micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the majority of which are run by young people and women. In Kenya, SWITCH Africa Green focuses on agriculture, manufacturing and tourism as priority sectors.

The SWITCH Africa Green Networking Forum provides a critical platform for distilling knowledge gained from the implementation of SWITCH Africa Green projects to be used for wider replication and policy uptake. Further, through its social platform, SWITCH Africa Green affords an avenue for sharing among stakeholders best practices and project-related knowledge about eco-entrepreneurship, sustainable consumption and production, and green economy policies and tools. One planned activity is an exhibition of green technologies by MSMEs and entrepreneurs drawn from the private and public sectors.

“SWITCH Africa Green has demonstrated that it is possible for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises to green their businesses through the application of sustainable consumption and production practices. We look forward to continuing to support the Government of Kenya in its transition to an inclusive green economy.” Mr. Dirk Wagener, Resource Efficiency Programme Coordinator, United Nations Environment Programme

Mr. Mohamed Awer, Chief Executive Officer of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Kenya, Iauded the Kenyan Government for taking an initial step in redefining the country’s development trajectory, saying:

“GESIP will be instrumental in informing decisions in making choices towards a low-carbon development ambition in Kenya.” Mr. Mohamed Awer, Chief Executive Officer, WWF Kenya

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources delivered the keynote address for the event, which took place at the Kenya Forest Service Headquarters in Nairobi’s Karura Forest. Dignitaries from various development agencies and members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance.