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Kenya has entered into a fresh Sh4.8 billion agreement with the European Union aimed at accelerating climate action, protecting biodiversity and improving community livelihoods.
The new funding package will also support the restoration of degraded ecosystems while pushing the country toward a greener, more sustainable future.
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EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the partnership between Kenya and the EU on environmental sustainability remains strong.
“We are committed to a green transition because we all share the same planet,” she said, highlighting ongoing projects such as the installation of solar panels at Kisumu Prison and youth-led climate discussions.
She added that the Belgian embassy has already achieved net-zero status as part of Europe’s climate efforts.
Geiger emphasised that adopting green practices not only safeguards the environment but also supports economic growth and community well-being.
One of the newly signed contracts focuses on strengthening Kenya’s system for measuring, reporting and verifying (MRV) progress under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Sh600 million project will help establish a solid legal foundation and develop an MRV system to track Kenya’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Both national and county governments will jointly implement this project.
Linda Kosgei, head of multilateral agreements at the Environment Ministry, welcomed the move, saying it will reinforce Kenya’s climate reporting framework.
“The success of our NDC relies on an effective monitoring, reporting and verification system,” she said.
Wildlife PS Silvia Museiya thanked the EU for stepping in at a time when donor funding is shrinking, noting that some ranger support programmes have already stalled—affecting the protection of key wildlife species. She urged stakeholders to share information as the project rolls out.
Another contract signed focuses on enhancing climate resilience in the Lake Baringo watershed.
The Sh2.1 billion initiative will promote sustainable land management to counter deforestation, land degradation and climate impacts in the area.
The EU will work alongside Italy, Germany and both levels of government to implement the project.
Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Maiyo said the investment will help restore the Lake Baringo ecosystem, which has suffered from environmental decline, flooding, prolonged droughts and destructive human activities such as deforestation and overgrazing.
A third agreement will strengthen community conservancies and promote sustainable tourism in northern Kenya.
The Sh1.3 billion project aims to boost biodiversity protection, improve local livelihoods and enhance peace and security.
It will also promote regenerative green economic activities and support inclusive natural resource governance.
The project will be implemented by IUCN in partnership with national and county authorities.
The final contract—Switching Kenya Green: Tujenge Pamoja—targets the development of a circular economy by empowering micro, small and medium enterprises.
It will support green entrepreneurship through better financing, improved business performance and the creation of environmentally friendly jobs.
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The project also aims to address gaps in public awareness, technical know-how and access to green technology.
Hivos and partner organisations will implement the programme alongside the government.
