The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and the World Resources Institute (WRI) have launched two projects in Kenya to advance the country’s climate targets and sustainable‑development agenda. Both initiatives are funded by the Mitigation Action Facility and focus on introducing solar‑powered cold storage and electrifying two‑ and three‑wheelers.
In partnership with the Government of Kenya, UNDP and UNCDF will deploy 1,000 solar‑powered cold‑storage units nationwide. The aim is to reduce post‑harvest losses, cut methane emissions, and increase farmer incomes. The project seeks to preserve 5,000 tonnes of food, benefit 60,000 smallholders, and align with Kenya’s Climate‑Smart Agriculture Strategy and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Over its lifetime it is expected to avoid 4.8 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent emissions. Dr Jean‑Luc Stalon, UNDP Kenya Resident Representative, noted that post‑harvest losses present a significant growth opportunity: “By strengthening our cold chain, we can ensure food reaches our tables, boost our economy, and build a more resilient future.” The effort will use concessional loans and guarantees to de‑risk private capital, enhance farmer incomes, and build a sustainable cold‑chain ecosystem.
The second initiative, “Electrifying Kenya’s Two and Three Wheelers,” is a five‑year national program led by WRI. It aims to accelerate the adoption of clean two‑ and three‑wheel transport, which dominates Kenya’s mobility segment. Tailored financing will target approximately 68,000 electric vehicles across three counties, supporting Kenya’s enhanced NDC goal of a 32 % emissions reduction by 2030. The project is expected to cut 1 million tonnes of emissions over ten years, create around 68,000 green jobs, and bolster local electric‑vehicle assembly and manufacturing.
The Kenyan government has welcomed the initiatives. Principal Secretary for Environment Dr Festus Ng’eno said they demonstrate how climate action and development can advance together: “By supporting farmers with solar cold storage and expanding clean transport, we are reducing emissions while building resilient communities and local industries.” Together, the projects are poised to make a significant contribution to Kenya’s sustainable‑development and climate goals, delivering positive impacts for the environment and local economies.
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