Uhuru Kenyatta named global champion in Africa's climate change plan

Dr Patrick Verkooijen presents the award to President Uhuru Kenyatta. Right, Environment CS Keriako Tobiko. [David Gichuru, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has been selected as the global champion to lead in the implementation of Africa’s programme on climate adaptation investments.

Mr Kenyatta was installed to lead Africa’s continent to mobilise Sh2.5 trillion ($25 billion) for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP), which is designed to accelerate and scale climate adaptation action across the continent.

“This is a programme made in Africa by Africans which puts people at the heart of the adaptation journey. As an adaptation champion, I will be the voice to the voiceless Africans who are crying out for a climate-resilient and prosperous future,” said Uhuru during a ceremony at the University of Nairobi.

The AAAP which is a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) will rally global states to bridge the financial gap in implementation of adaption the actions that will avert the crisis of climate change for five years.

The head of state termed the AAAP as homegrown financial vehicle that lay a foundation for economic growth and one who reduce the impact of the climate shorts.

“Africa has been the most adversely affected by climate change and as such for Africa, adaption to climate change is not just important but also a survival strategy,” said Kenyatta.