Issue 21 – Role of Science and Innovation in Climate Change Response

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is the major driving force behind global, regional and national efforts to cope with the increasingly severe impacts of climate change and variability. STI is key in the implementation of the Paris Agreement on strengthening the global response to the impacts of climate change and keeping the global temperature below two degrees centigrade. Kenya’s Climate Change Act, 2016 clearly states, “In formulating the National Climate Change Action Plan, the Cabinet Secretary shall be informed by scientific knowledge about climate change, technology and technological innovations relevant to climate change.” The country enacted the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No.28 of 2013 to facilitate the promotion, coordination and regulation of the progress of STI. It resulted in the creation of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) succeeding the National Council of Science and Technology (NCST). This issue highlights innovative solutions that the National and County governments, various private sector actors, research organisations and universities are involved in to respond to climate change and ensure the country transitions to a low carbon economy.