Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, convened a high-level dialogue with the Kenyan delegation during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, bringing together Principal Secretaries, Governors, Senators, Members of Parliament, and representatives from key government institutions to harmonise the country’s climate priorities.
The meeting aimed to enhance coordination among government entities and ensure that Kenya’s participation at COP30 yields tangible national outcomes.
Dr. Pacifica Ogola opened the session by recognising the contributions of Kenya’s COP co-facilitators, negotiators, and civil society organisations, highlighting their essential role in advancing the country’s positions in the global negotiations.
Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, from the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, emphasised the need to mainstream climate action across all sectors.
She underscored the urgency of protecting Kenya’s cultural and heritage sites, which face growing threats from climate change.
Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon, from the State Department for Devolution, stressed the central role of counties and communities in delivering climate solutions.
He highlighted the significant financing required to support locally led climate action programmes, noting that counties are at the frontline of climate impacts and must be adequately resourced.
Delegates, including Members of Parliament, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Board Chair, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) Executive Director Mithika Mwendwa, youth representatives, and private sector partners, called for strengthened national engagement and proposed the establishment of a Kenyan pavilion at future COP conferences to enhance visibility and coordination.
The delegation also received a briefing on climate finance, with discussions centred on advancing Articles 2.1(c) and 9 of the Paris Agreement to unlock greater investments for Kenya and Africa.
Dr. Barasa thanked the delegation for their dedication and emphasised that Kenya’s participation at COP30 must translate into tangible national outcomes, stronger climate resilience, and enhanced leadership on the global climate stage.
