Ruto Meets UK PM With Kenyan Roots At COP 27
The UK and Kenya agreed to fast-track six projects worth Ksh500 billion to accelerate the flow of climate finance into Kenya.
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President William Ruto on Monday, November 7 met the newly-appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Rishi Sunak for the first time since the Kenyan Head of State congratulated the latter on Tuesday, October 25.
According to a statement from the British High Commission, Nairobi, the two met at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference alias COP 27 in Sharm-el-Sheik, Egypt.
The UK and Kenya agreed to fast-track six projects worth Ksh500 billion to accelerate the flow of climate finance into Kenya.
"These new, clean and green investments will become flagship projects of the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership – an ambitious five-year agreement that is unlocking mutual benefits for the UK and Kenya," read the statement in part.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak looking at his phone. /FILE
The projects include a new geothermal and solar energy generation at Menegai and Malindi as well as a Ksh425 billion Public Private Partnership to deliver the Grand High Falls Dam, which will generate a gigawatt of renewable power and provide an area over twice the size of the Maasai Mara with drought-combating irrigation solutions.
Also included is a green regeneration of central Nairobi anchored around a new central rail station; and a Ksh32 billion investment in a climate-resilient agriculture hub for the Lake Victoria region in Kisumu that will create 2,000 direct jobs and provide an income for a further 20,000 farmers.
The UK Government will also commit Ksh2 billion to a new guarantee company that will lower investment risk and unlock Ksh12 billion of climate finance for Kenyan projects over the next three years, through collaboration with CPF Financial Services and other private investors.
The Prime Minister praised President Ruto’s pioneering climate leadership and urged Kenya to continue along the path of green growth, urging all countries to deliver on the commitments made at COP26 in Glasgow.
Sunak was born on May 12, 1980, to African-born Hindu parents of Punjabi-Indian descent. His father, Yashvir Sunak was born and raised in Kenya during the colonial era while his mother was born in Tanzania.
During his visit to Egypt, Ruto has been interacting with other world leaders and bagging lucrative deals even as he will make his address between 4:45 and 4:55 pm today.
Among the leaders he met on the sidelines include Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Comoros President Azali Assoumani and Angolan President Esperança Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa.
Ruto also held talks with African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina and lauded AFDB's commitment to supporting Kenya's green energy projects - geothermal and wind.
Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, also flew to Egypt and will be expected to not just cross paths with Ruto but also address the highly-anticipated conference in his capacity as a member of the African Union (AU).
Raila Odinga on board a plane. /FILE
