Ruto gets international recognition for climate action

 

President Willam Ruto has made it to the inaugural TIME100 Climate list of change-makers in climate action.

According to TIME, the list aims to recognise those who are linking climate action and business value.

Other notable figures on the list include US Special Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry, business tycoon Bill Gates and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

 Also YouTube content creator  Beast, singer Billie Eilish, music band Coldplay, filmmaker James Cameron and Rockefeller Foundation President Rajiv Shah were listed.

The Head of State was placed in the Defenders category of the list.

The TIME describes Ruto as a “leader on green investment for Africa”.

"William Ruto is the President of Kenya, where he has emerged as a leader on green investment for Africa," reads TIME.

It further read that Kenya hosted this year’s inaugural Africa Climate Summit, which secured $23 billion (Sh3.5 trillion) in funding for green projects for the continent. As part of Kenya’s efforts to increase electricity access, 80 per cent of the grid is supplied by low-carbon sources.

In September, Ruto hosted the five-day Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, championed by the President aimed to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa.

Ruto in his closing remarks said he was satisfied with the work well done in the first Summit and the progress that has taken place.

"With humility, I thank you for kindly accepting our invitation to attend this summit, and for your patience throughout the proceedings. Your devotion to Africa’s contribution to the transformation of global climate action is exemplary and to be admired," he said.

The Head of State expressed his gratitude to those in attendance at the Summit noting he was grateful for their steadfast support and commitment to our unity.

Ruto commended the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change for giving the opportunity to champion climate action and green industrialisation.

BY MAUREEN KINYANJUI