The UK Government announced KES 4.7 billion of new funding for solar energy, forest restoration, and other nature projects in Kenya.
Kesses Solar Project in Eldoret received a KES 3.9 billion of funding from UK-backed Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, driving clean green energy in Kenya.
When completed, the plant will improve access to energy for thousands of people and create up to 400 construction jobs- helpinq Kenya achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 as announced at COP26 last year.
The UK aiso announced KES 800 million to restore deforested and degraded land in Kenya.
The package was unveiled at an event to launch the Greening Kaplagat Project in Eigeyo Marakwet – a project backed by KES 75 million in funding from the UK, and delivered in partnership with the WWF and the Elud Kipchoge foundation.
At COP26, 140 countries, includinq Kenya and the UK, pledged to stop and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030,
Today’s announcement, launched with PS Chris Kiptoo, World Marathon Champion Eliud Kipchoge, and WF CEO Mohamed Awer helps to turn
this pledge into action.
Immediate threats facing the Kaptagat landscape include unsustainable agricultural practices, illegal logging, overgrazing, forest encroachment and charcoal production.
The Greening Kaptagat Forest project aims to mitigate these threats by providing access to sustainable development activities that will restore over 1,000 hectares and benefit over 1,000 people living in the Kaplagat forest landscape.
The project launch also included the unveiling of the Kapkoi-Kibogy solar-powered water project that will provide a steady flow of water for household consumption for approximately 800 Kaptagat residents.
Speaking at the launch event, Mike Foster, Head of Mutual Prosperity and Climate
Change at the British High Commission
said the project will help Kenya achieve 10% tree cover.
“The UK is proud to partner with WWF, the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, and the
Government of Kenya to Green Kaptagat – turning pledges at COP26 into action on
the ground. This project and the investment in the Kesses Solar Project will heip Kenya achieve its vision of 10% tree cover by 2030, and provide new green jobs for local people.”
Private Secretary for Environment and Forestry Dr. Chris Kiptoo added that the partnership will boost efforts to restore the Elgeyo Ecosystem.
“Greening Kaptaqat is a response to a call in 2020 by UK PACT through WWF in partnership with the government and Eliud Kipchoge Foundation which directly responds to the priorities identified through the Integrated Master plan for the Rehabilitation and Restoration of Elgeyo
– Cherangany Hills Ecosystem which was developed in 2021.*
Eliud Kipchoge who also witnessed the partnership said the move will improve the climate on which athletes train.
“As a runner, I know how important breathing is. Breathing to keep you going, breathing to feel alive. Athletes train in Kaptagat forest. They need the forests, it is good for their health and for good breathing. I want the world to breathe well. Without forests, you cannot breathe.”
The Greening Kaptagat project, and the KES 800 million of new funding for nature-based solutions, build on KES 22 billion of climate investment from the UK in Kenya over the past three years – working with Kenya adapt and manage the worst effects of climate change, and create jobs in a green and sustainable way.
