Kenya has intensified efforts to address the growing intersection between climate change and public health. With the launch of the Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024–2029), the Household Air Pollution Prevention Strategy, and the roll-out of non-burn clinical waste management technologies, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in climate–health integration. These initiatives are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the health sector while protecting communities from climate-related risks.
To build on these milestones, Kenya is now pursuing stronger partnerships to accelerate progress. The Ministry of Health has opened dialogue with global organizations to expand technical expertise, funding opportunities, and research collaborations. One such engagement has focused on how Kenya can showcase its unique partnership-driven approach to addressing climate-health challenges at international platforms.
Key upcoming events include the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) in Brazil and the Pan-African Environment, Climate Change and Health Conference, scheduled to be held in Nairobi. Both gatherings present opportunities for Kenya to highlight the innovative models it is applying to strengthen resilience within its health sector. By demonstrating the tangible outcomes of integrating health and climate action, the country aims to inspire regional and global peers.
Discussions with international partners also emphasized the need for enhanced investment in climate-health research, workforce capacity development, and professional training. Strengthening local capacity ensures that healthcare workers are better equipped to manage the impacts of climate change on health outcomes, including heat stress, vector-borne diseases, and air pollution-related illnesses.
The focus on partnerships underscores Kenya’s recognition that climate change and health are interconnected issues requiring collective solutions. Through cross-sector collaboration, Kenya seeks not only to mitigate environmental risks but also to safeguard public health systems, promote innovation, and ensure sustainable development.
By scaling up climate–health action and forging new collaborations, Kenya is demonstrating leadership and commitment to building a resilient health system. With its strategies now firmly in motion, the country is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the global dialogue on climate change and health, while ensuring that its citizens benefit from cleaner, safer, and more sustainable health services.
