The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry on Monday marked the World Ozone Day for the year 2024 celebrations, focusing on discussing priorities of climate action initiatives in Kenya.
The annual event themed ‘Montreal Protocol Advancing Climate Action’ captures the broader environmental impact of the historic agreement, signed over 35 years ago and has been instrumental in protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.
Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale observed that the global celebration of the World Ozone Day holds a special significance that reflects remarkable achievements of the Montreal Protocol and its continued relevance in advancing climate action.
“What began as an urgent response to a specific environmental crisis has evolved into one of the most effective multilateral agreements in history, benefiting both the ozone layer and the global climate,” he recalled.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr Festus Ng’eno, Duale insisted that the gathering is not only to celebrate the restoration of the ozone layer but also to recognize how the protocol has become a powerful tool for combating climate change.
“By targeting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are also potent greenhouse gases, the Montreal Protocol has directly contributed to reducing global warming,” stressed Duale.
He noted that Kenya has taken great pride in being a committed partner in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and has made significant strides in phasing out ozone-depleting substances and is also working diligently to meet its obligations under the Kigali Amendment, which calls for the phasedown of HFCs.
Further, the CS maintained that while the country celebrates the progress made, it must also acknowledge that much needs to be done, adding that the impacts of climate change are already being felt, particularly in Africa, where extreme weather events, droughts, and floods are threatening livelihoods and food security.
“Our work under the Montreal Protocol is far from over. We must continue to strengthen our commitments, invest in innovative technologies, and foster partnerships that accelerate climate action at every level,” he urged.
Duale highlighted that the World Ozone Day provides an opportunity to further educate the public on the impacts of ozone depletion, identify opportunities to enhance energy efficiency in the cooling sector and mobilize the whole society to address these impacts.
“While the need for cooling is rapidly growing in the country, from cold chains for fresh produce to cooling in the transport and hospitality sectors, I am happy to note that the government, through policies and legislations, has made considerable efforts to emphasize on low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and energy efficient alternatives,” expressed the CS.
Additionally, he affirmed that his Ministry has put in place Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations and Licensing Systems, to regulate imports and exports of controlled substances through licensing, import permits and quota allocations to curb smuggling of these substances since Kenya is fully compliant with phase-out obligations of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and on course to meet the 67.5 percent reduction target by 2025 under the Montreal Protocol.
In addition, Duale insisted that joint cooperation between government, the private sector, and international partners have enabled achievements led by the long-standing partnership with the German government through the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), who have supported the development of Kenya’s National Cooling Action Plan (2023 – 2027).
“With the technical and financial support of our partners, the Ministry, through a training of trainers’ model has trained over 1000 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) service technicians on safe use of flammable refrigerants (hydrocarbons) during repair and maintenance of RAC equipment and over 200 customs officers as well as other enforcement officers on control measures for ODS imports and exports,” revealed Duale.
He at the same time acknowledged the partnership and support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Development Agency of France, and the Ozone Secretariat, among others for supporting Kenya over the years.
Duale emphasized that the Montreal Protocol is a beacon of hope that shows how collaboration, guided by science and driven by shared purpose, can solve even the most daunting environmental challenges.
“We need to build citizen alliances including through women and the youth, to help drive behavioural change and drive consumer demand for climate action and green transition to ensure sustainable future for our children and generations to come and through continuous dedication and cooperation, a lasting legacy for future generations will exist,” he implored.
By Sharon Atieno
