CS Barasa Showcases Kenya’s Climate Leadership at COP30 in Brazil
She emphasized that climate commitments by developed nations under the Paris Agreement must be honoured, saying it is “a matter of justice, not charity”
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has positioned Kenya as a leading voice in global climate action during the COP30 summit held in Belém, Brazil
Barasa, who was recently appointed co-facilitator for climate finance, co-chaired a high-level dialogue with UK Minister Katie White calling for predictable, accessible and grant-based climate financing
She emphasized that climate commitments by developed nations under the Paris Agreement must be honoured, saying it is “a matter of justice, not charity”
Throughout the summit, the CS held bilateral meetings with delegations from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Switzerland and China
Discussions centred on Kenya’s 15-billion-tree initiative, forest restoration, carbon market development, renewable energy partnerships and investment in technology-driven climate solutions
The sessions also explored Article 6 cooperation, river regeneration projects, ecosystem restoration and opportunities for generating green jobs
“Kenya will continue to lead with clarity and conviction. Our actions today must secure a resilient, just and sustainable future for our people,” Barasa said
CS Barasa also delivered Africa’s unified position during the high-level segment attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, highlighting the continent’s urgent adaptation needs
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She called for a credible Global Goal on Adaptation supported by measurable indicators, increased climate finance and stronger commitments on loss and damage
While in Belém, the CS convened Kenya’s delegation including Principal Secretaries, Governors, MPs, NEMA officials, civil society, youth representatives and private sector leaders to harmonize national priorities and strengthen Kenya’s coordination at the summit
Her engagements reinforced Kenya’s growing influence in global climate diplomacy and positioned the country as a frontrunner in environmental restoration and climate-resilience efforts
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
