CS Barasa pushes for climate justice at COP30

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Deborah Barasa, has concluded a series of high-level engagements at COP30, positioning Kenya as a leading voice on climate finance, adaptation, and environmental restoration.

Barasa, who was recently appointed Co-Facilitator for Climate Finance, co-chaired a major dialogue alongside UK Minister Katie White.

She used the platform to rally developed countries to honour their Paris Agreement commitments and deliver predictable, accessible, and grant-based financing for vulnerable nations.

“For Africa, climate finance is a matter of justice, not charity,” CS Barasa said, urging richer nations to increase ambition and transparency in climate funding.

Throughout the conference, she held bilateral meetings aimed at accelerating Kenya’s climate and green growth agenda.

With the United Kingdom the CS secured continued backing for Kenya’s 15-billion-tree programme and expanded forest restoration. Singapore expressed interest in fast-tracking Kenya’s carbon market pipeline and supporting technology-driven climate solutions.

In discussions with Switzerland the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation under Article 6 and streamline authorisation procedures.

China committed to scaling up renewable energy partnerships including school solarisation while global nonprofit conversation International agreed to intensify collaboration on ecosystem restoration, river regeneration, and the creation of green jobs.

During the COP30 High-Level Segment, CS Barasa presented Africa’s common position, calling for a credible Global Goal on Adaptation with measurable indicators and clear pathways to implementation.

“Africa’s adaptation needs are urgent, and our voices must be reflected in the outcomes of this conference,” she said.

In a briefing with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Barasa emphasised Africa’s priorities on adaptation, climate finance, and loss and damage, and urged the UN to amplify the continent’s stance in global negotiations.

Beyond diplomacy, she convened Kenya’s delegation comprising Principal Secretaries, Governors, Members of Parliament, NEMA officials, civil society, youth representatives and the private sector to strengthen coordination and align national priorities during the summit.

“Kenya will continue to lead with clarity and conviction. Our actions today must secure a resilient, just and sustainable future for our people,” she said.

Kenya’s interventions at COP30 signal a continued push for climate equity and stronger global accountability as negotiations move toward the summit’s final outcomes.