The Government has urged the private sector to invest in appropriate eco- technologies, relevant in their operations and comply with environmental standards, as stipulated in various environmental regulations.
This will enhance cleaner production technologies, aimed at enhancing optimal operations, efficient use of raw materials and energy, in order to produce green products.
Speaking during the launch of Going4Green Report, Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Betty Maina, said Kenya has made tremendous efforts in promoting green initiatives through targeted investments in both private and public sectors.
The Report was compiled by Supporting Indian Trade and Investment for Africa (SITA), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), which have been great partners to the industrialization Ministry.
She said following such efforts, major milestones have been attained largely in the areas of renewable energy resources, agriculture, water harvesting, environmental legislation, sound waste management through recycling efforts and wastewater treatment among others.
The CS said there has been deliberate investment by government in collaboration with partners in exploration and drilling of geothermal energy, spearheaded by the Geothermal Development Company, with the capacity to meet all domestic and industrial needs, including those of neighboring countries when fully exploited.
“I’m happy to note that new research reveals the extent of the global fashion industry’s commitment to sustainability, despite the pandemic, with sustainability ranked as the second and the most important strategic objective for businesses in the sector,” she added.
Maina reiterated that with a marked shift in international sourcing patterns, based on environmental compliance, sustainable value chains in textile and leather are now more important than ever.
She assured that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment that is conducive for legislative and institutional support for unfettered growth in the adoption of clean energy for domestic as well as industrial purposes.
“I’m happy to note that ITC and KAM are also organizing solution-based seminars to help Micro- Small- Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) navigate environmental compliance, for export certification and access financing, a welcome opportunity for our MSMEs,” said the CS
The Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Virander Paul, expressed his satisfaction in partnering with Kenya, adding that India is fully committed to continue supporting Kenyan businesses in the manufacturing sector.
Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016-2030, is geared towards enabling Kenya to attain a higher economic growth rate consistent with the Vision 2030, which firmly embeds the principles of sustainable development in the overall national growth strategy.
By Catherine Muindi
