Kenya to partner with IGAD on climate security and border policing

Kenya has stepped into a continental leadership role by presenting an innovative climate-security model at the second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2) in Addis Ababa, underscoring a bold shift in how African governments address the growing links between environmental change and national stability. Speaking during a high-level session, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo said Kenya’s approach places communities at the centre of climate resilience efforts, framing global warming not just as an ecological issue but as a direct threat to peace, livelihoods and long-term economic wellbeing.
At the heart of Kenya’s presentation was the National Climate Change Security Resilience Programme (NCCSRP), a flagship initiative launched under President William Ruto. The programme integrates environmental restoration with local governance, deploying over 4,000 Chiefs and National Government Administrative Officers to coordinate climate action at the village level. Through monthly Chiefs Climate Action Days, administrators mobilize residents for tree-growing activities, land restoration and environmental awareness campaigns. In under a year, the initiative has led to the planting of more than 114 million trees, distribution of 6.4 million seedlings and the engagement of over two million citizens—achievements made possible, Dr. Omollo noted, without any external funding support.
Delegates at ACS-2 praised the programme as a compelling example of how community-driven action can accelerate climate response. Beyond environmental restoration, the NCCSRP equips administrators to mediate climate-driven disputes, especially in areas where competition over depleted natural resources fuels local conflicts. Chiefs now play a dual role as environmental stewards and peace facilitators, supported by traditional knowledge networks and strengthened early-warning systems. Kenya’s partnership with IGAD and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) also featured prominently, with the rollout of a Climate, Peace and Security Curriculum and a digital platform that enables chiefs to report climate activities and conflict indicators in real time.
Looking ahead, Kenya is urging African states and development partners to invest more in grassroots climate-security solutions, arguing that local action remains the most effective path to long-term resilience. Dr. Omollo emphasized that the continent cannot afford to treat climate change solely as a diplomatic or policy issue. Instead, he said, true progress will depend on empowering the communities who confront its consequences daily. Kenya now hopes that its model will be scaled regionally, offering a blueprint for building peace, strengthening environmental stewardship and driving inclusive green growth across Africa.