Kenya has moved to strengthen its working relationship with the United Nations Environment Programme as it pushes to improve how it handles environmental issues in the country and beyond.
The talks brought together senior government officials and a delegation from UNEP, led by Susan Gardner.
In his speech at the dialogue, Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department highlighted that Kenya appreciates its partnership with UNEP, with its headquarters based in Nairobi.
Ng’eno explained how Kenya-UNEP partnership has been important for the development of the country with respect to environmental protection, research and training among others. He emphasized that Kenya is considered as an environmental champion in Africa because of the partnership.
In this regard, discussions were held on ways through which Kenya and UNEP would collaborate with one another as per the globally recognized environmental agreements such as biodiversity, oceans, and land.
Kenya highlighted the progress recorded in terms of conservation and protection of biodiversity as well as the development of national strategic plans and monitoring data on environmental management. Kenya is engaging with various stakeholders in such endeavors.
In terms of ocean concerns, Kenya stated that it has been pursuing its programs to safeguard the coastline through the restoration of mangrove forests and coral reefs as well as curbing ocean pollution. Further steps are expected to be taken to strengthen these efforts and enable coastal regions cope with climate change.
Moreover, Kenya pointed out the need to develop its national capacity further as a participant of newly adopted international frameworks in the area of sustainable management of ocean resources.
With regard to the land, Kenya stressed that it had initiated programs to restore degraded land and combat drought in arid regions. In particular, Kenya aimed to improve food security and to help climate-affected communities.
Kenya also confirmed its willingness to become the host country for the 2026 World Desertification and Drought Day to demonstrate its efforts in dealing with these problems and obtain assistance from other nations.
Kenya called upon the organization to provide its government with greater technical support concerning its national projects in biodiversity monitoring, skill development, and alignment with internationally adopted goals and principles.
Officials said bringing together climate action, environmental protection, and land restoration will help Kenya get better results and also open up opportunities in sectors like the blue economy.
