Experts have warned that Kenya could be losing at least Ksh 900 billion each year due to rapid climate change, with the figure set to creep into the trillions in the near future unless urgent action is taken.
Environmentalist Dr Kalua Green has called on Kenyans and the government to lead the world in finding solutions to climate change, particularly because Kenya remains one of the most prone to the devastating effects of climate change.
While speaking at the launch of the Institute for Sustainability and Climate under the International Leadership University, the environmentalist was adamant that Kenya had the potential to save its environment if action was taken swiftly.
“We are the most affected, and that gives us both the moral authority and the urgency to lead. Our institutions can be at the forefront of developing real, lasting solutions,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports that Kenya was losing an estimated Ksh900 billion every year—about 3 to 5 per cent of its gross domestic product—through climate-related disruptions.
These disruptions come in many forms, including floods, droughts, poor harvests, and infrastructure damage.
If the situation persists, experts estimate Kenya could lose up to Ksh15 trillion by the year 2039. This prospect, however, can be mitigated by structured interventions.
As far as government efforts are concerned, President William Ruto’s administration has set an ambitious target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 in an effort to make Kenya a global environmental hub.
The success of this initiative is, however, uncertain, although the introduction of a national tree-planting day ignites hope in the sustainability efforts.
President Ruto's initiative has not been without its controversy, as sections of leaders have claimed the tree-planting drive had ulterior motives to benefit some leaders. Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, however, recently maintained that the 783 million mark, which the exercise recently hit, was a significant milestone.
Scientists and experts are now issuing a call to action to tertiary institutions across the country to take a step beyond learning about the theory of climate change and actively develop programmes focused on shifting Kenya's environmental trajectory.
Notably, universities and colleges are seen as crucial players in creating awareness and coming up with practical solutions to reduce the climate toll.
