Climate change is a major cause of the current food shortage facing the country and is a clear warning of how climate volatility can affect countries like Kenya.
Addressing a seminar on Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) at a Nairobi hotel Monday, British High Commissioner to Kenya, Rob Macaire, said that droughts, floods, temperature and rainfall pattern changes can hit countries across a range of sectors.
In addition to agriculture, public health, water availability, energy use, infrastructure and services like tourism are also affected by the current drought.
CDM Macaire explained, are projects that reduce green house gas emissions and are undertaken in developing countries.
He said forecasts coming out of the best scientific consensus available are sobre warnings of what will happen if the world does not act to address climate changes such as rise in sea level by the end of the century.
The problem, he said, was bound to displace millions of people, intensify hurricane activity and reduce food productivity in sub Saharan Africa.
"The British government has put climate change amongst the very highest of our international priorities and we believe that it cannot be downgraded despite the global economic downturn," said Macaire.
He said the UK, along with the E.U and other partners recognize the responsibilities of richer countries in the process of combating climate change.
Macaire indicated that the UK aims at supporting African voices in international climate discussions to ensure future frameworks are fair and that it is going to be a larger part of its dialogue with the Kenyan government on this issue over 2009.
He indicated that the UK and Danish governments intend to launch a major study into the economic impact of the climate change in Kenya and other East African countries this week.
Macaire said despite a growing share of the number of registered Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) globally, Sub Saharan Africa is yet to benefit fully from CDM and termed it a challenge recognized by the international community.
The seminar brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors in Kenya and a delegation of UK companies with an aim of discussing the carbon market and identify potential CDM projects in the country.
The mission further aims at building partnerships between the UK and East African companies that deal with climate change projects.
At the same time, Macaire, has said that corruption is a serious damaging issue to the economy and the country's image.
He said it was important to properly and transparently investigate any corruption allegations and determine whether the accusations were true or false and have the culprits prosecuted.
Macaire also said his government was contributing funds through the World Food Programme to assist in feeding the hungry Kenyans following the current food crisis.
The Diplomat said the UK will consider Kenya's request for aid but emphasized on transparency in the resolution of the issues of food and fuel prices in the country calling on the Government to address the issue of corruption seriously and urgently.
He urged politicians not to use the food crisis as a "political football" to divert attention from other critical issues such as electoral reforms and impunity.
"I hope the food crisis will not derail or make politicians lose track on other priorities," said Macaire.
