With only two to three percent of global emissions, Africa has made a negligible contribution to the changing climate, but it stands out as the most susceptible region in the world. Kenya has made progress in promoting the use of low-carbon technologies and clean energy.
Ahead of the African Climate Summit, which is taking place this week, Kenya’s government has promised to step up its climate efforts by implementing low-carbon, effective transport systems. Friday saw the announcement by President William Ruto that his administration will start utilizing modern, sustainable, and renewable energy sources.
He claims that not only will this lessen greenhouse gas emissions but it will also increase transportation affordability and support the growth of the electric vehicle market.
The president claims that the majority of the nation’s fleet, which consists mostly of two- and three-wheelers, is driven by people at the bottom of the socioeconomic scale.
Boda boda drivers were persuaded by Ruto that the switch to e-mobility would greatly increase their profits. “The adoption of electric mobility is a priority intervention to address the challenges of pollution,” he said.
He asserted that electric bikes cost less to operate than gasoline-powered ones.
According to the president, the government will shortly phase out motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines. He continued by saying that Kenya is committed to carrying out its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“We are on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s pollution reduction targets. We are also taking decisive steps towards zero-emission,” he stated.
The African Climate Summit, taking place in Kenya, gets underway on Wednesday. Leaders will discuss funding for famine and flood relief as well as Africa’s ability to provide climate solutions through carbon banks.
In order to meet their development objectives and climate change adaptation needs, African nations are asking for more climate financing.
