NGEC Champions Gender-Responsive Climate Action as Kenya Gears up for COP29 and Launches National Gender and Climate Change Action Plan

As global climate change continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has taken on a pivotal role in ensuring that Kenya’s climate policies are both inclusive and gender-responsive. This commitment was recently demonstrated at two key events: the COP29 Country Position Drafting workshop and the inception of Kenya's National Gender and Climate Change Action Plan (NGCCAP) 2024-2027. At the COP29 Country Position Drafting workshop, held at Maanzoni Lodge, NGEC championed the inclusion of gender and marginalized groups in Kenya’s climate action strategy. Focusing on "Harnessing Equity and Inclusion in Global Environmental Governance," NGEC’s advocacy ensured that the impacts of climate change on women, youth, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities are central to the country’s climate agenda. This effort aligns with the Enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender, which has emphasized the need for gender-responsive policies in global climate governance.

NGEC highlighted several critical issues, including the need for gender-disaggregated data that goes beyond age and sex to include ability, geography, and other intersecting factors. This nuanced approach is necessary to tailor climate responses to the specific vulnerabilities of different groups. In addition, the Commission called for gender-responsive climate finance, advocating for simplified access to resources for women, youth, and marginalized communities who are on the frontlines of climate-related disasters. The Commission also underscored the importance of translating climate strategies into formats accessible to persons with disabilities, making inclusivity a principle rather than a formality. By pushing for gender-responsive indicators to track the implementation of climate policies, NGEC is ensuring that progress is measurable and impactful, particularly for those most affected by climate change.

Parallel to the COP29 preparation, Kenya has embarked on developing its first National Gender and Climate Change Action Plan (NGCCAP) 2024-2027, a comprehensive framework that will guide genderinclusive climate action over the next three years. This plan is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to embedding gender equity into its climate policies, particularly under the directives of the 2016 Climate Change Act and Vision 2030.

The inception workshop, held from October 14-18, 2024, brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including key ministries, international organizations, and civil society. The aim is to mainstream gender considerations across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and health, all of which are heavily impacted by climate change.

NGEC’s role in the NGCCAP development is central, ensuring that the concerns of marginalized groups—especially women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities—are adequately reflected in the plan. The commission will lead public consultations to gather input from these communities, ensuring their participation in shaping the country’s climate policies. This plan will promote inclusive resilience strategies, particularly in access to climate-smart technologies and resources.

As Kenya prepares for COP29 and moves forward with the NGCCAP, NGEC’s leadership is crucial in steering the country toward a future where gender equity is at the heart of climate governance. By advocating for inclusive policies, equitable access to climate finance, and robust monitoring systems, NGEC is ensuring that Kenya’s climate resilience strategies leave no one behind. This approach not only strengthens Kenya's position on the global stage but also sets a precedent for integrating gender and social inclusion into national and international climate action.

NGEC Head of Gender and Women Division Tabitha Nyambura facilitates a session on gender-responsive climate action advocating for the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized communities