Kenya gets Sh1.5b for solar projects

Kenya has received more than Sh1.5 billion to tackle effects of climate change, Environment Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe has said.

Mr Lesiyampe said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has already released about Sh690 million towards the implementation of the climate change action, while Sh900 million from the Adaptation Fund is in the pipeline.

Noting that the country is already feeling the effects of climate change, the PS said the funds had come at the right time.

He said the impact of climate change would be addressed under the low emission and climate resilience development projects.

Lesiyampe said under the three-year programme, the funds would be used in various projects in the counties to promote a shift from use of charcoal to solar energy.

“The funds will be used to put in mitigation measures to address climate change, and we expect the project to kick off next week,” he said.

The PS was addressing the Press during the annual low emission and climate change resilient development workshop held in Naivasha.

He identified some of the weather vagaries being felt in the country as erratic rains, flooding and perennial drought.

“It’s not only human beings that are feeling the effects of climate change but also wildlife; the ecosystem and livestock have been affected,” he said.

The low emission capacity building Project Manager Harun Warui said the concept would make the country resilient against climate change.

“The Sh690 million fund will be used in three years and will support different sectors and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

On his part, UNDP analyst Timothy Ranja said the organisation would continue to support efforts to address climate change vagaries.