Kenya seeks stronger collaboration on climate change with Islamic Development Bank

By Robert Mutasi

Kenya is deepening its international collaboration in the fight against climate change, as the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Aden Duale announced during the UNCCD COP16 summit.

Duale held a meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, on the sidelines of the global summit to discuss common priorities and ways of increasing cooperation.

A prime focus of the discussions was Kenya's bid for Observer Status at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Duale emphasized that this is a strategic move that would give Kenya leeway for increased multilateral engagements in climate action and environmental sustainability.

"Securing Observer Status at the OIC will open up new avenues for collaboration and support, more so on addressing shared challenges like desertification and drought," Duale said.

Other discussions during the talks were on the critical interventions by the IsDB in addressing recurring drought and desertification.

These two conditions have intensified in Kenya and the rest of the Horn of Africa as climate change continues to spiral upwards.

Such initiatives now align with the UNCCD agenda and seek to establish sustainable land management practices for improved food and water security levels in vulnerable regions.

Dr. Al-Jasser reiterated the commitment of the Islamic Development Bank to the imperatives of supporting climate resilience, emphasizing community-centered solutions.

"Our goal is to empower communities to withstand the devastating effects of climate change through targeted interventions and improved governance structures," he said.

The meeting also discussed the role of IsDB in enhancing environmental governance.

The bank advances comprehensive protection to enhance the resilience of communities facing climate-related hazards such as displacement, loss of livelihoods, and degradation of ecosystems.

Kenya's partnership with the IsDB is in line with its broader strategy to galvanize international support for adaptation and mitigation against climate change.

Its government has identified strategies like afforestation, sustainable agricultural practices, and proper water resources management to mitigate the ill effects of climate change.

The talks come amid increased drought periods in Kenya that have crippled livelihoods and threatened wild animals.

Duale calls on concerted effort and asks world stakeholders to act together in combating natural environmental and humanitarian catastrophes exacerbated by climate change.

With increasing international support and proactive approach, Kenya is bound to heighten its leadership role in the global fight against desertification and climate change.