UoN enters into Kshs. 140M partnership to scale up Adaptation
The University of Nairobi signed an agreement with Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) to scale adaptation efforts in Africa through a project titled, ‘Enhancing and scaling up climate adaptation for resilient infrastructure in kenya and the east african region”. The agreement worth Kshs. 140M will see the University deliver a master class on Climate change and conduct innovative climate change solutions competition among the youth. The top 3 innovative solutions will be awarded Kshs. 5M each.
This was revealed during the 2nd Leader’s dialogue on Adaptation Action in Africa held at the historical Taifa Hall on Thursday July 7, 2022. In the same meeting, President Uhuru Kenyatta was awarded the Global Champion for Adaptation Action in Africa.
In his acceptance speech, the President stressed on the urgency to start acting on the efforts towards resilience immediately. He urged all the countries that had pledged towards the 25B USD Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP) to honour their pledges so that the work can begin.
He also noted that the funds will go to areas that are experiencing severe drought and malnutrition in the continent; he said, “Malnutrition and drought that Africa is facing is severe and we are at a risky moment as we speak. This is at a time when many are struggling as a result of COVID19. We have no time to waste”
President Kenyatta lauded the University for entering into a deal with Global Centre on Adaptation citing that, “Through this partnership with UoN, this will build on and leverage on local knowledge. Kenya is well on her way to become greener and more resilient.”
On his part, the CEO, Global Centre on Adaptation, Dr. Patrick Verkooijen spoke passionately on the AAAP programme. He noted that, ‘This is an Africa for Africa designed programme aimed at raising 25B USD in the next 5 years. Act now or risk paying later.” He also profiled the efforts that GCA has made in Kenya and in Africa. He recognized the efforts that farmers in arid and semi-arid areas are making towards resilient infrastructure and called on the world to prioritize on scaling these efforts in the whole continent. He called on global leaders to prioritize this program by committing their funds towards this effort.
All the other world leaders that spoke, Congratulated President Kenyatta on his award as the Global Champion and urged the other Global leaders to urgently convert their commitment to resources. Managing Director, IMF, Kristalina Georgiva, President of Africa Development Bank, Dr. AKinwumi, Ban Ki Moon, 8th United Nations Secretary-General, and Dr. Ngozo Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization.
The CS, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Keriako Tobiko congratulated the President on his award and acknowledged that Environment is the foundation of the President’s Big 4 Agenda. No development can be achieved without taking care of the environment.
The UoN Vice chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama expressed his excitement at the momentous occasion. While congratulating the President on his award he pledged the University’s support, ‘It is critical that we, as a continent, and as a leading University, rally behind your significant and important clarion call, because for the first time in history, a COP event will be held on African soil, and the spotlight will highlight the African issues and agenda.
Watch the leaders’ dialogue here
