By Michelle Ndaga
Kenya and the U.S. State of California have signed a historic California–Africa Climate and Economic Partnership, marking Kenya as the first African nation to formalize such an agreement with the world’s fourth-largest economy.
The pact was witnessed by President William Ruto and California Governor Gavin Newsom on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
It aims to accelerate cooperation in key sectors including sustainable transport and electric mobility, renewable energy, green ports, climate-smart agriculture, resilient food systems, green infrastructure, digital innovation, and climate adaptation.
A central feature of the partnership is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Clean Transport Systems in Africa, to be hosted in Kenya.
The hub will serve as a driver of innovation, research, and knowledge exchange, positioning Kenya as a regional leader in sustainable mobility.
President Ruto hailed the deal as a milestone in advancing Africa’s green transition and deepening international climate cooperation. “This partnership demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to building resilient economies while embracing innovation for a sustainable future,” he said.
Governor Newsom underscored California’s readiness to work with African partners on climate action, noting the state’s global leadership in clean energy and environmental policy.
The agreement reinforces Kenya’s standing as a pioneer in renewable energy and climate resilience, while opening new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and job creation in Africa’s fast-growing green economy.
