Kenya has maintained its strong and consistent push for climate finance reform at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa reinforced the message earlier delivered by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Kindiki, who attended the leaders’ summit before returning to Nairobi, warned that the global fight against climate change risks becoming a fight in futility unless climate financing pledges are honoured.
He told world leaders that while Africa holds the key to accelerating global decarbonisation, that potential will remain locked unless financing structures become fairer and more responsive to the realities of developing nations.
According to the DP, the continent stands on the brink of a transformative green transition.
This is largely due to its abundant renewable energy resources, critical minerals for clean energy technologies, and a rapidly growing youthful population capable of driving the next generation of global manufacturing.
But he stressed that this promise cannot be realised under the current global financial system, which he said must be reformed to make capital more accessible and affordable for climate action in the developing world.
Kindiki further underscored the need for climate policies that centre people, arguing that true climate justice must include the empowerment of women, the youth and farmers.
This, he said will ensure the benefits of the green economy are equitably shared across communities, gender and generations.
As negotiations enter their final stretch in Belém, CS Barasa has taken up the mantle at the ministerial-level Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) briefing.
She reaffirmed Kenya’s alignment with Africa’s wider negotiating bloc and amplified the continent’s collective demands.
“We are deepening our engagement as a country and remain steadfastly committed to ensuring that Africa continues to lead global climate action,” Barasa said after the AGN consultations.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki among the leaders during a leaders’ summit in Nairobi ahead of COP 30 in Brazil / HANDOUT She noted that African ministers had strongly reiterated their position that COP 30 must uphold the implementation of the UN Climate Convention while addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and sustainable development.
Barasa said the AGN briefing placed renewed focus on Africa’s special needs and circumstances, an issue the continent has repeatedly argued should be formally recognised within the UN climate architecture.
She emphasised that unlocking meaningful climate outcomes will require developed countries to demonstrate greater commitment, especially through honouring past pledges and mobilising predictable, adequate and accessible financing.
With the conference nearing its close, Kenya’s delegation continues to press for a COP 30 decision that not only accelerates global decarbonisation but also delivers the long-overdue financial reforms needed to ensure developing nations can adapt, mitigate and thrive in a warming world.
