Kenya is losing approximately Ksh900 billion each year due to climate change, equivalent to 3-5% of its GDP, as drought, floods, failed harvests, and infrastructure damage take a toll on the economy.
Speaking at the launch of the Institute for Sustainability and Climate at the International Leadership University, environmentalist Dr. Isaac Kalua warns that without urgent intervention, losses could escalate to Ksh15 trillion in the next 15 years, derailing the country’s development goals.
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“3 to 5% of GDP is lost annually. What this means is that the economy bleeds and its entire output costs about Ksh 870 billion annually, which is strictly due to climate change,” Dr Isaac Kalua stated.
According to the Environmentalist, President William Ruto’s ambitious vision of Kenya becoming an environmental hub and his plans of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 face major hurdles unless universities and research institutions take a leading role in developing climate solutions.
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Higher Learning Institutions in Kenya Urged to Find Climate Change Solutions
Additionally, Dr. Kalua emphasized that Kenya and Africa have the potential to pioneer global climate solutions that would reverse the adverse effects of climate change, noting that the continent is the most affected.
According to Kalua, the adverse effects can only be reversed if collaborations are prioritized and with institutions of higher learning taking the lead.
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Despite the government’s efforts, including annual tree-planting initiatives, poor follow-up has left many seedlings unmaintained, reducing their survival rate.
Conservationists argue that without proper nurturing and long-term strategies, such campaigns will fail to make a meaningful impact.
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Experts are urging Kenya to position itself as a leader in environmental conservation to benefit from carbon credit markets. Institutions of higher learning are being called upon to innovate sustainable practices that could give Kenya a competitive edge in the global green economy.
Also Read: Kenya Calls for Ksh167 trillion for Africa Climate Fund for Developing Nations at COP29
Kenyans have been warned about the severe consequences of neglecting the environment. The ongoing trend of the country losing money due to climate change issues is likely to continue and could cost Kenyans even more if no action is taken.
As a response, the government and institutions of higher learning are being urged to collaborate and develop courses aimed at changing this trend and preventing a disaster.
“This trend is likely to continue and cost Kenyans more if no action is taken, where the government and institutions of higher learning are now being called up to join hands and develop courses that will change the trend and avert a catastrophe,” Dr. Kalua said.
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