Combating Climate Change in Kenya for Sustainable Development

Kariuki Muigua

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Abstract: Climate change is considered one of the major global challenges that countries have to contend with in their efforts towards achievement of the sustainable development agenda. Climate change affects not only national and global economy but also has a direct effect on the livelihoods of communities. It is for this reason that there have been global calls on governments and all other stakeholders to put in place climate change mitigation measures and ensure that their economies become resilient. Indeed, climate change is one of the main environmental goals under the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals as captured under Sustainable Development Goal 13 meant to help countries achieve resilience and build adaptive capacity. However, due to their development activities and approaches, both developed and developing countries have not managed to curb climate change. It is also acknowledged that due to their differing economies and unique challenges, developing countries have far much been affected by climate change compared to the developed countries. Kenya is no exception especially considering that its economy is considered to be agricultural based and much of its rural population is still highly dependent on agriculture and environment to meet their livelihood needs. This has resulted in environmental degradation due to pollution and indiscriminate use of available environmental and natural resources. This paper adds to the existing literature in this area on how the country can successfully combat climate change in its bid to achieve sustainable development. The major argument is that for the country to combat climate change, there is a need for an integrated approach that meaningfully involves all the stakeholders. The Government alone cannot possibly achieve this task. Climate change mitigation is an important step towards achieving sustainability in the country, without which the realisation of both the country’s Vision 2030 and the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will remain a mirage.