Kenya has become the first African country to secure climate funding under the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage, according to Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa.
In a statement on June 16, CS Barasa said the achievement marks a significant milestone in international climate policy and reinforces Kenya’s position in global climate action efforts.
She noted that Kenya is also the second country globally to receive technical assistance through the mechanism.
“Kenya has made history as the first African country to secure critical climate funding under the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage, marking a significant milestone in international climate policy and reinforcing our nation’s leadership in global climate action. I am proud to note that Kenya is only the second country globally to receive technical assistance through this mechanism,” CS Barasa said.
CS Barasa on How Kenya Will Use the Ksh91 Million Climate Grant
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the development was achieved under the leadership of President William Ruto and through coordination by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
Barasa said the funding highlights Kenya’s growing role in shaping international responses to climate change, particularly for countries that are vulnerable to climate-related impacts.
The support package is valued at approximately $700,000, equivalent to about KSh91 million.
The funds will be used to finance a comprehensive national assessment of climate-related loss and damage experienced across Kenya over the last ten years.
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“The support package, valued at approximately $700,000, will finance a comprehensive national assessment of climate-related loss and damage experienced across Kenya over the past decade,” she said.
Climate Assessment to Shape Policy and Strengthen Kenya’s Resilience Plans
According to CS Barasa, the assessment will generate data on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of climate-related events across different parts of the country.
The information gathered is expected to support policy formulation and strengthen strategies to improve climate resilience.
Additionally, she said the initiative further strengthens Kenya’s position in regional climate leadership and sets a precedent for other African countries seeking support through international climate mechanisms.
How the Santiago Network Supports Countries Seeking Climate Loss and Damage Assistance
The Santiago Network on Loss and Damage provides technical assistance to developing countries affected by climate change. Its role is not to provide direct funding for projects but to help countries prepare and strengthen requests for climate-related support.
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Under the mechanism, countries can seek expertise and technical support from organizations, bodies, networks and experts to assess climate impacts, identify needs and develop proposals for further assistance.
The network serves as a bridge between countries and technical experts, helping governments develop evidence-based funding and support requests related to climate loss and damage.
Countries that receive support through the Santiago Network can use the technical assistance to prepare applications for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD).
The FRLD, operating under the Barbados Implementation Modalities, provides grant financing for activities addressing climate-related loss and damage. The fund currently has an allocation of USD 250 million for eligible projects and programmes.
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