Foreword
Kenya stands at a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. As a nation, we pride ourselves with the spirit of rising in the face of adversity and generating locally led, science-backed solutions to cope with climate change and its impacts.
Kenya's rich biodiversity and natural resources are not only the backbone of our economy but also integral to our cultural heritage. Multiple key sectors critical to Kenya's economic transformation, growth and development are highly sensitive to, and continue to be impacted by, climate change. For instance, the agricultural sector, which employs over 40% of the workforce and contributes significantly to our GDP, is particularly vulnerable to climatic variations. Similarly, our thriving tourism industry, showcasing the beauty of the Maasai Mara, the Great Rift Valley, and Mount Kenya, is deeply intertwined with our natural environment.
In recognition of these challenges, Kenya has integrated climate resilience into our Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. Our policies prioritize using up-to-date scientific information to develop robust adaptation and mitigation strategies, ensuring the well-being of our people and the sustainability of our natural resources. We are also keenly aware of our international obligations and remain committed to contributing to global climate goals, guided by principles of equity and within our capacities.
This report serves as a comprehensive resource for policymakers, development partners, and all stakeholders seeking to understand the specific impacts of climate change in Kenya. It highlights the urgent need for immediate action, including international climate finance, to support adaptation and low-carbon development. By fostering continued international collaboration, we can spur meaningful action towards achieving our collective global goals and ensuring a fair, livable future for all.
I hope this report will inspire informed decision-making and galvanize efforts to build a resilient and sustainable Kenya, poised to meet the challenges of climate change head-on.
Executive Summary
Kenya, a diverse and water-scarce country in East Africa, boasts diverse landscapes and abundant natural resources that support the lives and livelihoods of millions of people through agriculture and nature tourism. An estimated 42% of the country’s GDP is derived from natural resources, including agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining and fishing, indicating that the country is home to unique biodiversity hotspots. However, climate change poses severe threats, evidenced by increased temperatures, extreme weather, and their impacts on agriculture and tourism. Immediate action, including international climate finance, is imperative to support adaptation efforts and ensure a sustainable future.
Source: Kenya Red Cross
Kenya Context
Climate change – especially heatwaves, rainfall and drought – is creating unexpected challenges for Kenyan society and the economy. Kenya is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, with extreme weather linked to poor health, altered wildlife migrations, damage to infrastructure, and food and water insecurity. Large gaps in observational data over Africa, along with complex natural variability, make it difficult to determine how some aspects of the climate are changing. However, as global temperature rises, the overall picture for Kenya is one of increasingly extreme weather, with cascading effects on people’s lives and the economy.
Source: Kenya Red Cross
Data
Kenya's temperature has increased by 1.0°C since 1960, with projections of up to 2.5°C by 2050. Rainfall patterns have become erratic, with some regions experiencing up to 100mm deviations from historical averages. The economic cost of climate impacts is projected to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for data-driven adaptation strategies.
Source: Kenya Red Cross
The Authors
Dr Joyce Kimutai
Kenya Meteorological Department and Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London
