The Government of Kenya has launched the BIOFIN initiative to strengthen biodiversity financing and address gaps in environmental funding across the country.
In a statement dated April 21, 2026, speaking virtually during the launch, Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, said he was honored to join the event and appreciated the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for convening the milestone event and supporting the process.
“I am honoured to join you virtually for the launch of BIOFIN in Kenya. I sincerely appreciate UNDP for convening this milestone and for its continued partnership, and I acknowledge all stakeholders who have contributed to this journey,” read part of the statement.
Kenya Launches BIOFIN to Control Environmental Finance Challenges
PS Ng’eno noted that the launch marks the culmination of a structured, collaborative journey that included technical assessments, policy dialogues, and the development of an environmental finance framework.
He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fulfilling both national and global duties to protect nature.
However, Ng’eno stressed that achieving these commitments depends on securing adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing.
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He further argued that the persistent environmental finance gap, experienced both locally and globally, has remained a major barrier to effective environmental conservation.
“The persistent biodiversity finance gap both globally and nationally remains a major barrier, and it is in this context that BIOFIN offers a structured, evidence-based approach to addressing this challenge , “ said PS Ng’eno.
How BIOFIN Will Work in Kenya
According to Ng’eno, BIOFIN is designed to help countries better understand and respond to financing needs in environmental conservation.
He highlighted that this approach is crucial in ensuring environmental commitments are supported by practical and sustainable financial systems.
Ng’eno further explained that the BIOFIN methodology will enable Kenya to review environmental policies, assess biodiversity-related spending, and identify funding gaps and needs.
It will also support the development of a practical financing plan to improve efficiency and mobilize new sources of funding for conservation efforts.
Additionally, Ng’eno said the BIOFIN will help improve resource alignment, strengthen accountability, and enhance policy coherence in environmental financing.
Kenya Deepens UNDP Partnership to Drive Climate Action
This development comes shortly after Kenya stepped up its collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate climate action, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity conservation efforts.
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The State Department for Environment and Climate Change said that Principal Secretary Festus Ngeno hosted a high-level delegation from the United Nations Development Programme Kenya, led by Resident Representative Jean-Luc Stalon, for talks aimed at deepening strategic cooperation on key environmental priorities.
In a statement, the department said the meeting focused on strengthening partnerships to advance Kenya’s climate agenda, including efforts to enhance resilience in vulnerable regions and scale up biodiversity conservation initiatives.
The project, which is set to conclude in May 2026, has achieved significant milestones, with sites expected to be formally commissioned during the program’s close-out phase, according to the environment department.
