Kenya’s climate and health strategy aims for global impact

Kenya announced Monday that it has completed its inaugural National Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024–2029), reaffirming its position as a leader in addressing the intersection of climate change and public health.

Acknowledging the significant threats posed by climate change, the country is committed to mitigating its impacts, adapting to emerging challenges, and fostering resilience to safeguard human well-being and sustainable development for all.

As a champion nation in global climate action, Kenya was instrumental in the development of the endorsed 77th World Health Assembly Resolution on Climate Change and Health.

Building on commitments made at the 26th Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) and further driven by the momentum of COP28, Kenya is taking concrete steps to advance the climate and health agenda.

The strategy includes ambitious initiatives to address the impacts of climate change on health.

By 2025, Kenya will conduct a Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment to identify and prioritize key risks.

The development of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) will align healthcare systems with climate adaptation needs.

Guidelines for environmentally sustainable and green healthcare systems will be formulated to reduce carbon footprints in the health sector.

Efforts will focus on enhancing the capacity and awareness of health professionals, including community health workers, to address climate illiteracy and better equip communities for climate resilience.

Kenya also plans to strengthen the translation of research into actionable policies to ensure evidence-based interventions while facilitating collaboration among research institutions for knowledge and skills transfer.

Mobilizing adequate resources to implement the strategy’s priorities remains a key focus.

Kenya joins 52 African nations in reaffirming its commitment to the COP26 Health Programme on Building Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Low-Carbon Health Systems.

As Michelle Williams aptly stated, “Health is the human face of climate change.”

Guided by this vision, Kenya recognizes that investing in human development is crucial for climate resilience and sustainable health systems.

With the National Climate Change and Health Strategy, Kenya reinforces its resolve to lead by example in creating a healthier, more resilient future.