Examine various measures adopted by the Kenya government to combat

climate change and its effects.

United Nations (UN) defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather
patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic
eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change,
primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around
the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures. Energy, industry, transport, buildings,
agriculture and land use are among the main sectors causing greenhouse gases. The main
greenhouse gases that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide and methane. These
come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building, for example. Clearing
land and cutting down forests can also release carbon dioxide.

Climate change has several adverse effects:

1. Hotter temperatures

Nearly all land areas are seeing more hot days and heat waves; 2020 was one of the hottest
years on record. Higher temperatures increase heat-related illnesses and can make it more
difficult to work and move around. Wildfires start more easily and spread more rapidly when
conditions are hotter. According to Worlddata, The hottest temperature measured in Kenya
from 1949 to December 2023 was reported by the Mandera weather station. In April 2019,
the record temperature of 41.6 °C was reported here.

2. Increased rainfall

Changes in temperature cause changes in rainfall. This results in more severe and frequent
storms causing floods and landslides. Severe flooding in Kenya which started in October
2023 killed at least 1781 people, injured 242 and displaced thousands, caused by El Niño
rains. Thirty-eight counties out of the 47 in the country were affected by a dangerous
combination of riverine floods, flash floods, and landslides (Reliefweb, 2024).

3. Increased drought

Water is becoming scarcer in more regions. Deserts are expanding, reducing land for
growing food. People and animals now face the threat of not having enough water on a
regular basis. In 2022, kenya experience the worst drougt in 40 years. 6,093 individual
wildlife from 20 different species died while 5.4 million people faced high levels of acute
food insecurity of which 1.2 million people were in the emergency phase (IFAW, 2023).
 4. More health risks

Changing weather patterns are expanding diseases such as malaria since mosquitoes thrive in
warm temperatures. Extreme weather events increase disease and death, and make it difficult
for health care systems to keep up. Other risks to health include increased hunger and poor
nutrition in places where people cannot grow or find sufficient food.

5. Poverty and displacement

Climate change increases the factors that put and keep people in poverty. Floods may sweep
away urban slums, destroying homes and livelihoods. In the October-December 2023 rains,
over 136,025 people (27,205 households) were displaced and 71 people died, over a thousand
livestock and 221 hectares of agricultural farmland were lost(ECHO, 2023).

The above effects have negatively affected the economy of Kenya by causing destruction of
property, creating several health risks, death of people and wildlife and most importantly,
increased poverty levels making households unable to meet their daily needs.

The government of Kenya is taking a myriad measures to combat the effects of climate change
such as:

Afforestation and Reforestation

The Kenyan government has started initiatives for afforestation and reforestation in order to
counteract deforestation and encourage carbon sequestration. Wangari Maathai established the
Green Belt Movement, which has been crucial in promoting climate resilience and ecological
restoration through tree planting (Mugendi et al., 2021).

In 2023, the government declared Monday, November 13, 2023 a National tree planting Day. As
a patriotic gesture, all citizens were expected to plant trees around the nation in support of the
national effort to protect our nation from the catastrophic effects of climate change.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices

In order to increase resilience and productivity, Kenya supports climate-smart agricultural

practices. Kabubo-Mariara et al., 2016 explains agroforestry systems, soil conservation
techniques, and the introduction of crop types resistant to drought as initiatives being undertaken
by youth and women in the local communities. These methods ensure food security while
reducing the hazards associated with climate change.

Encouragement of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Sustainable Transportation

In an effort to cut emissions from the transportation sector, Kenya encourages the adoption of
EVs and sustainable transportation systems. This transition is supported by incentives including
tax reductions for electric vehicles and investments in the infrastructure of public transportation.
Collaboration and Partnerships on a Global Scale

Kenya participates in global collaborations and partnerships to tackle climate change. Kenya
pledges to lower emissions and increase resilience through its participation in programs such as
the Paris Agreement. Access to technical assistance and climate finance is facilitated by
cooperation with development partners.

Promoting public education and awareness

To enhance climate literacy and drive behavioral change toward sustainable behaviors, the
Kenyan government organizes awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and capacity-
building workshops (Kadagi et al., 2018).

National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, 2013 documented the National Climate Change
Action Plan (NCCAP). The NCCAP provides Kenya's climate change response with a
framework for action. It describes plans of action and strategies for cutting greenhouse gas
emissions and boosting adaptation across a range of industries. The strategy places a high
priority on resilience-building strategies and sustainable development.

Water Resource Management

Improved water resource management is crucial for climate resilience. The Kenyan government
invests in infrastructure and policies to enhance water access and quality. It has established the
Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA) to monitor and manage national water
resources through Projects like the Sustainable Water Resources Management Program to focus
on sustainable water use and conservation.

Policy and Legislative Frameworks

To include climate change issues into development planning, the Kenyan government has built
policy and legislative frameworks. The Climate Change Act of 2016 institutionalizes climate
governance frameworks and offers a legal foundation for climate action.

Promotion of renewable energy

Kenya has made significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and
geothermal energy. Projects like the Lake Turkana Wind Power serve as prime examples of the
government's dedication to renewable energy and have made a substantial contribution to the
nation's clean energy transition.

Promotion of Green Building methods

In an effort to reduce emissions from the building industry, the Kenyan government supports
green building methods. The implementation of sustainable materials, energy-efficient building
designs, and renewable energy technology in construction projects are some of the initiatives
(Kwach et al., 2017).

Policy and Legal Frameworks

In order to include climate change concerns into development planning, the Kenyan government
has created policy and legal frameworks. The Climate Change Act of 2016 institutionalizes
climate governance frameworks and offers a legal foundation for climate action.

Community-Based Adaptation Projects

Kenya backs community-based adaptation efforts because it understands how important

community involvement is. These initiatives provide local communities the tools they need to
adopt practices that are resilient to climate change such as agro-ecological agricultural methods
and water collection schemes.

Mobilizing Climate funds

In order to carry out adaptation and mitigation projects, climate cash must be raised. Kenya seeks
to generate domestic resources for climate action and gain access to international climate funds.
Initiatives for climate-resilient development are supported by financial instruments like the
Climate Change Fund.

Strategies for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA)

Kenya's climate response is placing more and more emphasis on ecosystem-based adaption
strategies. Ecosystem restoration and conservation, such as that of mangroves, wetlands, and
forests, improves communities' and biodiversity's capacity to withstand the effects of climate
change (García-Carreras et al., 2021).

Climate Information Services (CIS)

Decision-making requires access to reliable climate data. According to Anyah et al. (2018),
Kenya offers early warning systems, weather predictions, and assessments of climate risk to
stakeholders via meteorological agencies such as the Kenya Meteorological Department.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Measures

To improve readiness and responsiveness to hazards associated to climate change, Kenya uses
disaster risk reduction measures. Early warning systems, disaster response plans, and community
training initiatives all help to lessen vulnerability and boost resilience.
In conclusion, efforts of the Kenyan government in combating climate change are largely
commendable. She has taken a number of actions to combat climate change and improve
resilience in a number of industries. These programs, which range from community-based
adaptation projects to the promotion of renewable energy, show Kenya's dedication to climate
change and sustainable development. Ongoing endeavors, cooperation, and financial support are
necessary to successfully address the multifaceted issues brought about by climate change in
Kenya.
 REFERENCES

1. Anyah et al. (2018). Climate information services use in Kenya: A case of Nyando and
Makueni Counties. Weather, Climate, and Society, 10(1), 103-118.
2. ECHO (2023) Kenya - Floods, update. Retrieved from
https://reliefweb.int/report/kenya/kenya-floods-update-ifrc-media-kenya-meteorological-
department-echo-daily-flash-27-november-2023 on 8th march 2024
3. García-Carreras et al. (2021). Towards nature-based solutions in climate change
adaptation in Africa. Environmental Research Letters, 16(2), 025002.
4. IFAW (2023) Despite Kenya’s worst drought in 40 years, communities are resilient.
Retrieved from https://www.ifaw.org/international/journal/kenya-drought-community-
resilience o
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6. Kadagi, N. I., Namuli, A., & Kisia, S. M. (2018). Climate change awareness campaigns
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7. Ministry of Environment and Forestry. (2013). National Climate Change Action Plan
2013-2017. Retrieved from https://www.kccap.info/
8. Reliefweb (2024) Kenya, Africa Floods 2023 Operation Update. Retrieved from
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%20floods%2C%20and%20landslides
9. United Nations (2023) What Is Climate Change? Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change
10. Worlddata (2024) The climate in Kenya. Retrieved from
https://www.worlddata.info/africa/kenya/climate