EU Commissioner Hoekstra visits Kenya for climate talks ahead of COP28

European Union Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra is in Kenya ahead of COP28. 

The commissioner's visit is in line with the continuation of the preparedness ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, as Kenya is a key partner in the African continent for building momentum towards a successful COP28 outcome. 

The Climate Change conference will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12.

Hoekstra is expected to hold talks with national representatives, civil society and policy community. 

The commissioner will meet President William Ruto for bilateral talks, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u among other leaders. 

Hoekstra will tour an EU-funded project supporting regional capacity to monitor, analyse, and communicate weather patterns in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development region in Eastern Africa, with the support of the World Meteorological Organisation.

He will also deliver a speech to students at the University of Nairobi, outlining the EU's priorities for the advancement of the global climate action agenda.

This is the first time Hoekstra will be visiting the country as European Commissioner for Climate Action. 

He was appointed on October 9, 2023, by EU's President Ursula von der Leyen.

Hoekstra took over from Frans Timmermans who resigned in the position. 

"In accordance with Article 246 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a vacancy caused by the resignation of a member of the Commission is filled for the remainder of his or her term by a new member of the same nationality. The new member is appointed by the Council, by common accord with the President of the Commission, after consulting the European Parliament."

The commissioner had in June visited the country in his capacity as minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. 

Hoekstra has been pushing for a working relationship on a sustainable and equal partnership based on shared interests and shared values.