Climate Cooperation Initiatives

Kenya and Norway Deepen Environmental Ties with New Climate Cooperation Initiatives

By Tropiki news desk| May 2025

Kenya and Norway are strengthening their long-standing environmental cooperation through new projects and shared commitments to fight climate change, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development. This alliance rooted in shared environmental values, has evolved into a multifaceted partnership encompassing policy innovation, financial investment and grassroots initiatives. With Kenya serving as a regional hub for environmental diplomacy and Norway known globally for its climate funding and green leadership, the two nations are proving that partnerships can make a tangible global impact.

A shared commitment to climate action

Kenya, a regional leader in climate diplomacy and Norway a global advocate for environmental sustainability have enjoyed decades of cooperation on environmental matters. Their partnership continues to play a crucial role in advancing initiatives that align with the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in climate action (SDG 13), life on land (SDG 15), and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7).

During the sixth united nations assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for environment, Soipan Tuya held high-level talks with Norway’s minister for climate and environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. The two leaders discussed scaling up joint efforts in nature-based solutions, especially wetland restoration and reforestation. Norway’s invitation for Kenya to join the nature crimes alliance, a global initiative aimed at tackling environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking and the destruction of critical ecosystems.

This invitation signifies a deepened trust in Kenya’s leadership in conservation and governance and a strategic alignment of values between the two countries. ‘At the heart of our partnership is a mutual belief that climate justice must include people, ecosystems and shared prosperity,” said Minister Eriksen. “Kenya is a key partner for Norway in Africa. Your leadership in environmental policy is inspiring.” The meeting signaled a renewed commitment from both countries to collaborate on urgent environmental priorities that impact not only East Africa, but the planet at large.

E-M obility and sustainable Transport

Beyond dialogue, this partnership is backed by tangible investment. Norway has committed significant funding to support Kenya’s immobility agenda and green transition. in June 2024, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide visited BasiGo’s electric bus depot in Nairobi. A sign of Norway’s growing interest in Kenya’s green transport innovation.

Norwegian development agencies Norfund and Norad have collectively invested over $300 million (Ksh 40.2 billion) into Kenya’s green economy. This includes support for reforestation efforts in the Mau Forest Complex, community-led conservation in the Tana River Basin and pilot projects in wetlands restoration for flood control and biodiversity recovery.

Capacity-building efforts are also underway, aimed at equipping Kenyan institutions, youth and local communities with the skills and resources needed for long-term environment thrive together.

“Kenya is proud to work with Norway in protecting biodiversity and enhancing climate resilience,” said CS Soipan Tuya. “We share a commitment to building a future where our people and environment thrive together.”

Minister Eriksen echoed the sentiment, noting “Kenya is a key partner for Norway in Africa. Your leadership in environmental policy in inspiring, and we are eager to support these bold steps with technical and financial cooperation.

Diplomatic engagements

While environmental cooperation remains central, diplomatic ties between the two countries are expanding across multiple fronts.

In 2024, Kenya and Norway held their inaugural political consultations, discussing trade, the blue economy, education, climate change and regional peace and security. These structured dialogues represent a step forward in transforming bilateral engagement into a more institutionalized and strategic partnership.

Norway has also supported Kenya’s bid for greater leadership roles on international climate platforms. Both countries are advocates for multilateral and have worked jointly to ensure that global climate finance mechanisms become more accessible and equitable for developing nations.

This cooperations extends to development aid. Norway is among the few countries that consistently meet the UN target of allocating at least 0.7% of Gross National Income to official development assistance (ODA) a portion of which is now flowing into Kenya’s climate resilience programs.

Regional peace and mediation

The collaboration goes beyond green goals. Kenya and Norway co-mediated peace talk between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in 2024. This initiative marked a significant diplomatic milestone as both nations committed to advancing stability and peace in the Horn of Africa.

Kenya’s role as a regional stabilizer and Norway’s long-standing experience in peacebuilding have made them effective co-mediators in conflict resolution. Their shared diplomatic strategy underlines the link between environmental sustainability and regional security, recognizing the climate change is also a driver of displacement and conflict.

Impact and community engagement

One of the strengths of the Kenya-Norway partnership lies in its strong grassroots orientation. Community engagement remains a core pillar of all major projects, from reforestation to e- mobility.

Programs intentionally involve women and youth particularly in rural areas, helping them access green jobs, skill training and entrepreneurial opportunities. For example, Norway’s support of village capitals accelerator program is helping climate-focused startups in Kenya gain visibility, funding and mentorship turning innovation into impact.

Regional and global influence

Kenya’s proactive role in climate diplomacy is growing, and this partnership with norway only amplifies that voice. Hosting UNEP and UN-Habitat, Nairobi remains Africa’s environmental capital. Kenya’s national policies are aligned with the Paris Agreement and its climate targets are among the most ambitious on the continent including a goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

Norway, a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, is also influencing the global climate agenda. Together, both countries offer a model for how Global North-South partnerships can move beyond aid and into shared innovation and mutual benefit.

What’s next?

With global window for meaningful climate action closing, Kenya and Norway’s reinvigorated partnership offers hope and direction. Their combined expertise, funding and diplomatic capital position them to lead not only in environmental conservation but also in policy advocacy and peacebuilding.

In the coming months, both governments are expected to announce joint projects in blue economy development, clean energy transitions and possibly host regional summits focused on sustainable development in East Africa.

Quick facts: Kenya-Norway environmental cooperation

Project/initiative Focus area Status

Natures crime alliance Wildlife & forest protection Kenya invited to join

Mau forest Reforestation Indigenous tree planting Ongoing with local partners

Tana river basin community Climate resilience & livelihood Active

Norfund Green Energy support Renewable energy investment Norway-funded

Wetland restoration pilot Flood control & biodiversity recovery In planning phase

Why it matters: Kenya + Norway for the planet

Kenya leads Africa in climate diplomacy and hosts UNEP headquarters.
Norway is among the world’s largest donors to environmental causes.
Both nations support Nature-Based Solutions as cost-effective tools to fight climate change.
This partnership builds not just policy but also jobs, innovation and inclusive development.

FUN FACT: Kenya aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 and global partnerships like this one are critical to reaching that goal.

From forests to diplomacy, buses to biodiversity, the Kenya-Norway alliance is growing stronger and greener. For everyday Kenyans, this means more opportunities a healthier environment and a brighter more sustainable future.