National Carbon Removal Workshop -27/2/2023

The Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Peninah Malonza, presided over the 1st edition of the National Carbon Removal Workshop, on behalf of the First Lady of Kenya, H.E Mama Rachel Ruto, and also spoke about the critical issue of carbon removal and women, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, today. 

“Climate change is ‘the most systemic threat to humankind’ and ‘gender inequity is the world’s biggest developmental challenge.’ Any climate action must therefore be deliberately designed by and with women at its core,” said Malonza. 

Women face unique challenges when it comes to participating in climate change efforts. Studies have shown that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and often have fewer resources and opportunities to adapt to its impacts.

“Despite these challenges, women have a critical role in carbon removal efforts. They are often involved in small-scale agriculture, forestry, and other activities that can contribute to carbon sequestration and emissions reduction,” added Malonza. 

The CS also added that women-led groups are working to create innovative solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere, from regenerative agriculture practices to developing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technologies.

“By enabling women to participate in the carbon economy, we can help to create new opportunities for income generation, improve their livelihoods and contribute to global efforts to address climate change,” said Malonza. 

Women are already at the forefront of developing new technologies and practices. Dr. Stephanie Acusa, a climate, science policy, emission accounting and carbon removal expert is pioneering a set of standards and certification framework with the intent to make intending to make carbon markets more transparent and fairer.

In Kenya, women, like those working with Mama Rachel Ruto, thorough Mama Organization, are adopting technologies & practices as part of the nature-based solutions for climate action. Their actions and resilience such as climate-smart agriculture, adoption of clean cooking technologies and circular economy, have and continue to make a significant impact on climate action.

Even more women, led by Mama Rachel Ruto, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate change, and Forestry, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and Malonza, are advocating for the inclusion of women in decision-making processes related to carbon markets and carbon removal, and working to ensure that women have equal access to the resources and opportunities needed to participate fully in these efforts.

“I look forward to working with both government and non-governmental organisations to innovative solutions on Carbon Removal as a critical pillar of climate action alongside Adaptation and Mitigation for a more sustainable future for all,” added Malonza.