COP29: Environment PS Ngeno warns against misuse of climate change funds

As African Nations push for more funding at the ongoing 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Environment Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Festus Ngeno has warned against misuse of climate change funds.

His call comes amidst concerns about the millions of shillings spent on various projects under climate change funding, with communities often receiving little benefit and no value for their money.

"We suffer heavily from the effects of climate change, and so when you get these funds let them be used for the intended purpose," said the PS.

"We need to see transparency we need to see equity."

Nations in the Global South have pushed for a USD1.3 trillion funding from the Global North, which is now the focus of discussions in Baku.

PS Ngeno also called for the swift release of these funds to communities in Kenya to prevent a situation where climate change money is available but not disbursed on time.

He is leading the Kenyan delegation at the talks, while also holding several bilateral engagements on behalf of the Kenyan government in Azerbaijan.