Frontier Eye Desk
Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya has taken the lead in steering Africa’s climate and health agenda following the official opening of the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health in Nairobi. The high-level meeting, themed “Harnessing Science, Policy and Partnerships for Environmental Sustainability and Climate Health Resilience,” brought together policymakers, scientists, and development partners from across the continent.
The opening session, presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, marked a symbolic handover of the baton of stewardship to Kenya, reaffirming Africa’s shared commitment to advancing the climate–health nexus and amplifying a unified continental voice in global climate negotiations.
Guided by the vision of President Dr. William Ruto, Kenya continues to lead efforts in building a green, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy, with climate action firmly embedded within its national development agenda.
Delegates of the Pan-African Conference on Environment, Climate Change and Health.
During the conference, Kenya launched two landmark policy frameworks: The Kenya Climate Change and Health Strategy (2024–2029), and The Kenya Household Air Pollution Prevention Strategy (2024–2029).
Both initiatives aim to strengthen climate-resilient health systems, reduce environmental health risks, and safeguard vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.
The event also unveiled the Nairobi Living Declaration, a forward-looking commitment that symbolizes the continuity of Africa’s climate action journey and the continent’s resolve to integrate health and environmental priorities.
“We must pursue integrated, cross-sectoral solutions that link environment, climate, and health as we move toward Universal Health Coverage,” said CS Duale, urging African states to embrace collaboration in research, innovation, and policy implementation.
The four-day conference provides a vital platform for African nations to champion fair climate financing, equitable technology transfer, and stronger local research capacity, ensuring that Africa’s priorities shape the global climate–health agenda.
The forum is jointly convened by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), CHANCE, KEMRI, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), among other partners.
Key attendees included Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health; Dr. Abdulahi Ali, KEMRI Board Chairperson; Mr. Mamo Mamo, Director General of NEMA; and Dr. Alan Dangour, the United Kingdom’s Director of Climate and Health, alongside senior officials, researchers, and international delegates.