President Uhuru Kenyatta accepts role as climate champion

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with Ignazio Cassis at the Lohn Estate in Bern, Switzerland. [PSCU]

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s push for climate adaptation has landed him the role of a global champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP).

Global Centre on Adaptation Chief Executive Dr Patrick Verkooijen welcomed President Kenyatta to his new role after a bilateral meeting held at State House, Nairobi recently.

In his role, Mr Kenyatta will carry forward his leadership on climate adaptation in Kenya to mobilise the global community to honour their commitment to doubling global climate finance.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with Ignazio Cassis at the Lohn Estate in Bern, Switzerland. [PSCU]

Mr Kenyatta said the drought in Kenya, exacerbated by climate change, is threatening lives and livelihoods, and needs an immediate response, noting that many African nations have already suffered losses of three to five per cent of their Gross Domestic Product.

“We must not lose sight of the critical actions and global finance needed to address the climate and food crisis and to build a more resilient continent. AAAP puts Africa’s youth and jobs at the centre of the adaptation agenda for a green, prosperous Africa,” said President kenyatta.

Integrating resilience into agriculture and food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa will cost $15 billion (Sh2 trillion) annually.