Calls for a comprehensive review of Kenya’s Climate Change Act (2016) dominated discussions during a high-level climate action workshop held this week in Naivasha. The forum brought together members of the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, and the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, alongside officials from the National Treasury.
The lawmakers and stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to update the legal framework to reflect the changing dynamics of climate change, the rapid pace of technological advancements, and Kenya’s international climate commitments—particularly under the Paris Agreement.
Senator Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), co-convenor of the Senate climate caucus, stressed that the existing law must evolve to ensure it addresses cross-cutting climate governance challenges.
“A review of our climate law is crucial to ensure it effectively addresses the evolving nature of climate change,” said Kajwang’. “It must integrate international agreements into national and local governance systems.”
Kenya ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 and has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030 through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This goal is central to the country’s green development strategy.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla echoed the need for legislative alignment with international frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She noted Parliament’s continued commitment through reforms inspired by the Climate Change Act and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), though details on pending legislation were not disclosed.
Concerns were also raised over the unregulated influx of unqualified individuals offering climate-related services in rural communities, especially in the carbon credit sector.
Peter Odhengo, coordinator of the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) programme, called for immediate legislative intervention.
“We are witnessing exploitation by individuals without proper credentials who are misleading rural communities into questionable carbon credit deals,” Odhengo said. “We need strong legal backing to stop this and protect vulnerable populations.”
The forum ended with a unanimous call to fast-track the review of the Climate Change Act, ensuring Kenya’s climate governance remains robust, credible, and future-focused.
