Ruto: Concerted efforts required to battle climate change

Ruto was speaking at the State House on Monday when he met with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen. 

According to the Head of State, the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) provides the world with an opportunity to address the impact of climate change, particularly among developing countries.

President Ruto stated during the Monday meeting that Kenya is experiencing severe drought as a result of climate change.

“I look forward to a successful COP 27. It is important that we act for the good of humanity,” he explained.

He also challenged developed countries to take the lead in confronting the effects of climate change in developing countries.

“We must avail resources to developing countries to deal with the effects of climate change; we must reverse its adverse effects,”

At the same time, he raised concerns over what he termed the fragmentation of the mandate of UNEP, saying it has hampered operations. 

According to President Ruto, it is past time to strengthen the UNEP Regional Office for Africa in order to provide effective and necessary support to member countries' national programs.

Ms Andersen, for her part, praised the government's pledge to achieve a 30% forest cover in Kenya by 2032.