Environment Committee Adopts COP28 and COP29 Reports, Urges Action on Climate Commitments

 

 The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining has officially adopted reports from two major international climate conferences — COP28 and COP29 — as Kenya steps up efforts to implement global climate commitments locally.

In a session chaired by Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu (Kilifi), the committee members reviewed and adopted findings from the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 11–22, 2024) and the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) held in Dubai, UAE (November 30–December 12, 2023).

The reports, based on the Committee's foreign visits to the two UNFCCC summits, provide insights into global strategies on climate mitigation, adaptation, and financing mechanisms that align with Kenya’s environmental priorities.

“These conferences are more than just talk shops — they give us direction on what we must implement locally,” said Hon. Feisal Bader, who led the COP28 delegation.

Both Hon. Bader and Hon. Joseph Emathe, who attended COP29 in Baku, emphasized the need for follow-up discussions with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. They proposed urgent engagement on the progress of Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and the status of the National Adaptation Plan — two critical tools guiding the country’s climate action.

“We must ensure the ministry is on track with our NDCs and adaptation strategies. These reports are only useful if they translate into real action,” said Hon. Emathe.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to push for domestic policies that reflect Kenya’s international climate pledges and praised the National Assembly for facilitating their participation in the global climate forums.

“We thank the leadership of Parliament for allowing us to represent the institution and the country on such vital matters,” Hon. Bader added.

The adoption of the reports signals Parliament's growing role in monitoring Kenya's environmental agenda and ensuring that commitments made on the global stage are implemented at home.

April 22, 2025