Kenya’s bold climate goals revealed in new UN submission

Kenya has reaffirmed its position as a continental climate leader with the submission of its Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), outlining a bold vision for a climate-resilient and low-carbon future between 2031 and 2035.

The government met its submission deadline of April 30, 2025, marking a key milestone in its climate action commitments.

The newly submitted NDC details Kenya’s strategy to adapt to the worsening effects of climate change while aggressively cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

At the heart of the NDC is an ambitious goal: to reduce emissions by 35%,  equivalent to 75.25 million tons of carbon dioxide, compared to the projected business-as-usual levels by 2035.

This commitment positions Kenya among the few African nations to articulate a clear, long-term decarbonization plan.

“This document is not just a report. It is Kenya’s blueprint for building a resilient society where livelihoods, communities, and ecosystems thrive despite the climate crisis,” said Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

The plan outlines how Kenya will leverage both domestic and international resources to achieve its targets.

The country has pledged to self-finance 20% of its climate actions, while seeking global partnerships for the remaining 80%,  through climate finance, technology transfers, capacity building, and participation in carbon markets.

To actualise this vision, Kenya estimates it will need USD 56 billion over the five-year period.

Approximately USD 10.5 billion of this, or 19%, will come from domestic sources, signalling strong national ownership of the climate agenda.

The NDC also underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development, having been developed through a whole-of-society approach involving diverse stakeholders from across sectors and communities.

Crucially, the NDC’s implementation period extends beyond Kenya’s current Vision 2030 development framework, and it will be revised to align with the country’s next long-term development strategy once finalised.

The submission comes at a time of growing global climate anxiety and provides a rare beacon of leadership from the Global South. Kenya’s call to the international community is clear: back bold action with real support.

“With this submission, Kenya invites the world to partner in unlocking sustainable development opportunities that will shape a greener, more inclusive future for all,” Dr. Barasa added.