Kenya has launched a $263.8 million climate resilience program aimed at strengthening agriculture, restoring ecosystems, and improving water management across 10 counties in the western part of the country.
The Integrated Natural Resources Management Program (INReMP), launched on July 17, is designed to support vulnerable rural communities by promoting sustainable farming practices, protecting natural resources, and improving food security. The initiative is backed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and is expected to benefit more than two million people from over 407,000 rural households.
The program will focus on sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and improved conservation of water resources to increase agricultural productivity and help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
The initiative will be implemented in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the investment will help increase agricultural output, improve household incomes, create employment opportunities, and strengthen community resilience. The program is part of broader national efforts to develop a more secure and climate-adapted food system.
Kenya continues to face increasing climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, extreme rainfall, floods, and landslides. These events have affected agricultural production, damaged infrastructure, and increased pressure on rural communities.
Recent climate risks have highlighted the need for stronger disaster preparedness and adaptation measures. Floods between March and May 2024 affected hundreds of thousands of people, causing significant loss of life and economic damage.
To address future climate threats, the Kenyan government has introduced measures such as the Anticipatory Action Roadmap for 2024-2029 and strengthened cooperation with regional climate organizations to improve early warning systems and disaster response.
The country is also advancing its climate commitments by targeting a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared with a business-as-usual scenario. The goal represents a significant reduction in carbon emissions while supporting sustainable economic growth.
The new climate resilience program is expected to play a key role in protecting rural livelihoods, improving agricultural productivity, and helping communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
