The United Kingdom has committed Ksh500 billion to support Kenya's green energy projects.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday, November 7, that the UK government will fast-track new green investments in Kenya as part of the efforts to support the country's climate action.
Sunak made the pledge during a meeting with President William Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt.
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The PM said his administration was keen to use the summit to deepen the British investment partnership with Kenya.
Some of the investments include the Malindi Solar Expansion, Menengai Geothermal, Grand High Falls Dam, Nairobi Railway City, among others.
Sunak, who assumed office in late October, lauded Kenya for pioneering climate leadership and pledged to further support the country in advancing regional peace and security.
“We will extend every support to Kenya to ensure it plays this role successfully,” he told President Ruto.
Ruto, on his part, said Kenya is determined to further cooperate with the UK, particularly in the areas of security in the Horn of Africa, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
The President arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt for COP27 on Sunday, November 6.
The summit, which brings together more than 130 Heads of State from around the globe, comes at a time when Africa is facing weather extremes coupled with energy and food crises.
Kenya is experiencing the worst drought in 40 years as a result of the effects of climate change.
The President, who is the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, is set to deliver two statements, one for Kenya and another for Africa.
"He will advocate for the implementation of the Paris Agreement adopted by 196 Parties at COP21 in 2015 that undertakes to combat climate change and adapt to its effects," State House said in a statement on Monday.
Ruto holds bilateral talks
President Ruto on Sunday met his Rwanda counterpart Paul Kagame for bilateral talks.
The two countries enjoy long-established mutual interests and an enduring partnership on economic, education, and security issues.
"The Kenya-Rwanda friendship is a cornerstone of our shared prosperity and regional stability.
"We look forward to growing trade and expanding investments with Rwanda for the mutual benefit of the citizens of our two countries," Ruto said.
The President also met Comoros President Azali Assoumani and Angola Vice President Esperança Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa and discussed the implementation of previous agreements on mitigation of climate change.
"Africa is calling for urgent implementation of previous agreements on mitigation of climate change. It is our view as a continent that enough talk and commitments have been made.
"It is time for implementation," he stated.
The conference has been held annually since the first UN climate agreement in 1992.
It is used by governments to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.
Egypt was announced as the host of the conference following a successful bid launched in 2021.
