CS Murkomen praises Green Climate Fund’s Sh121bn boost to Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has applauded the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for its substantial financial backing to Kenya, emphasizing that the support will be crucial in tackling climate change challenges and promoting sustainable development.

On Tuesday, May 4, 2025, Murkomen announced via his official X account that the GCF had approved funding amounting to Sh121.19 billion (approximately USD 937.66 million) for various projects in Kenya.

He highlighted that these initiatives aim to advance climate-resilient growth and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Murkomen described his recent meeting with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) leadership as highly successful, noting it strengthened the partnership between Kenya and the global climate body.

He expressed Kenya’s gratitude for the fund’s ongoing support, especially in financing vital climate projects.

"During our talks, I conveyed Kenya’s sincere appreciation for the GCF’s continuous backing, particularly the approval of climate-resilient development projects worth USD 937.66 million. These initiatives are crucial for tackling climate impacts and fostering sustainable, low-emission growth nationwide," Murkomen said.

He also shared that GCF official Carolina Speck reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Kenya.

A key outcome was the GCF’s positive response to Kenya’s request for targeted support to the Dadaab refugee camp and its host communities.

The new financing will focus on environmental restoration and renewable energy projects in the area, marking a vital step in addressing climate challenges alongside humanitarian needs.

Murkomen highlighted Speck’s emphasis on creating innovative and sustainable solutions to help vulnerable populations better withstand climate shocks and displacement.

“Ms. Speck reiterated the GCF’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with Kenya. Importantly, she welcomed Kenya’s proposal for dedicated aid to Dadaab and neighbouring communities, prioritizing environmental recovery and renewable energy efforts.

She underlined the importance of tackling the intersection of climate vulnerability and humanitarian crises, pledging to pursue resilience-building innovations,” Murkomen added.

The discussions further demonstrated the strong alignment between Kenya’s climate ambitions and the GCF’s mission to support the world’s most climate-threatened communities.

Kenya has collaborated closely with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) over the years to promote climate start development, particularly in reigns vulnerable to droughts and floods.

Supported by the GCF, the country has launched several significant projects aimed at building resilience and sustainability.

One of the standout initiatives is TWENDE (Towards Ending Drought Emergencies), which received Shh4.4 billion in funding.

This program targets 11 arid counties, including Garissa, Marsabit, and Tana River, focusing on restoring vast areas of degraded land.

TWENDE aims to assist over 775,000 people by improving land management practices and enhancing access to water resources.

Another key project funded by the GCF is underway in the Lake Region, with an investment of Sh6.5 billion.

This effort promotes climate-smart agriculture, helping more than 143,000 farmers grow tea, coffee, vegetables, and fruits using environmentally sustainable techniques.

The initiative is expected to impact around 2.7 million people, half of whom are women by boosting food security and household incomes.

Additionally, the GCF supports reforestation and land restoration efforts in dry counties such as Makueni, Kitui, and Kajiado.

These projects help communities adapt to climate change while also reducing carbon emissions, contributing to global environmental conservation.