NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 25 – Kenya Association (KAM) has today launched the Centre for Green Growth and Climate Change.
Through this Centre, the Association seeks to provide a one-stop solution to deepen industry level interventions, promote a circular economy, promote climate change actions, and financial linkages that prioritise people and planet.
Speaking during the launch, Industry PS, Dr Francis Owino highlighted that the manufacturing sector is a key pillar in the country’s development goals and that green growth shall ensure its sustainability.
“Industry relies on infrastructure and services, such as water, waste, energy and transport, and are vulnerable to disruptions caused by climate change. For example, inadequate rainfall results in low reservoir levels, leading to interruptions in electricity supply, given that most of our power is hydro generated. Additionally, the cost of electricity rises in times of drought as diesel generators are used to make up for the shortfall. We will need to reduce our dependency on thermal energy by embracing green energy,” explained Dr Owino.
PS Owino added that green growth can only be achieved through government and private sector collaboration.
“There is an emerging global consensus that the traditional linear manufacturing model is no longer sustainable. Planning for green growth and climate change mitigation in industry needs to focus on the adoption of a holistic, multi-sectoral approach because of the linkages between manufacturing and other sectors such as energy, environment, transport and agriculture,” said Dr Owino.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director-General, Mamo B. Mamo, noted that the world is transitioning to a green economy.
“Today, consumers are more aware of responsible production and are keen to buy from manufacturers who adhere to environmental regulations and integrate a circular economy to their practice. I urge corporates to elevate sustainability into their core business strategy, as it is good for the planet and ensures continuity,” remarked Mamo.
KAM Chair, Mucai Kunyiha, noted that the world is shifting towards a green future, as we seek to realize a global sustainable society.
“For manufacturing, this means introducing efficient production practices and developing products and services that help place environmental and social aspects on an equal footing with economic concerns. As industry, we have a role to play in the development of this country whilst ensuring that the environment in which we operate in, is conducive for the wellbeing of all. This is why we continue to engage like-minded stakeholders, from government, development partners, industry players and consumers, to realize this agenda,” said Kunyiha.
He added that the Centre shall strive to champion the drive of industry towards best practices on green growth and climate change initiatives.
“The Centre shall develop a strong pipeline of investor-ready green projects and work with green financiers to reach financial closure, transfer knowledge on a business-case for Climate Change initiatives at the firm level in complying with government policies and regulations. Additionally, it shall provide industries with the best practices on environmental compliance through capacity building and compliance assessment in line with environmental regulation, reduce industrial carbon footprint by creating awareness and promote a circular economy in the manufacturing sector to ensure sustainability,” concluded Kunyiha.
