The government has asked companies in Kenya to take climate change seriously following the launch of a new programme called Chapter Zero Kenya.
Speaking during the launch, Environment Principal Secretary Festus K. Ng’eno said the country now wants climate issues to be part of everyday business decisions, not just something discussed on the side.
He said companies, especially those in leadership, have a big role to play in turning government plans into real action.
“Decisions made in boardrooms will determine how we deal with climate change and how the country moves forward,” he said.
The event brought together people from government, private companies and development partners, including the National Treasury and other key players.
Ng’eno also commended other organizations such as Nairobi Securities Exchange, FSD Africa and WWF Kenya for being involved in the implementation of the program.
He noted that Kenya had taken some steps towards tackling the problem of climate change by enacting legislation in 2023 concerning the carbon trade and climate finance.
The government is also developing regulations relating to topics like carbon trade, wetlands and e-waste to clarify investment opportunities for the investors.
While this is the case, he also highlighted existing initiatives such as the “15 Billion Trees” growth program whose objective is land restoration and community benefit.
With regard to the newly launched program, it is expected to assist the firms in reporting on climate related matters and integrating their policies in accordance with the global and national goals.
It will also give the government and private sector a space to keep engaging on climate matters.
Ng’eno urged companies to go beyond just following rules and start putting climate and environmental issues at the centre of their decisions.
The government believes the move will help Kenya attract green investment and grow the economy in a sustainable way.
