At COP31, the bank called for stronger partnerships and innovative financing to expand clean energy access across schools and training institutions.
KCB is calling for stronger partnerships to accelerate sustainable finance and climate action in Kenya’s education sector.
The bank hosted a high-level side event at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together government leaders and key stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in clean energy and climate action.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Finance, Climate Action and Investment in Kenya,” the session focused on financing the transition to cleaner energy across learning institutions.
The engagement was led by KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Annastacia Kimtai. It brought together Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa, and Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Eng. Festus Ng’eno.
KCB’s Clean Energy Programme Reaches 660 Institutions
Since 2022, KCB has rolled out a clean energy financing pilot valued at more than KSh2 billion.
The programme has supported 600 schools and 60 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.
According to the bank, the initiative has helped lower energy costs, reduce reliance on biomass fuels and improve energy reliability in participating institutions.
The programme highlights the role financial institutions can play in supporting climate action while helping schools access more sustainable energy options.
Government Targets Universal Access to Clean Cooking
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa outlined the Government’s policy frameworks and commitment to achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2028.
She also highlighted the potential to expand the programme to 10,000 secondary schools, 250 TVET institutions and 42 universities.
The proposed expansion would require an estimated US$460 million in financing.
This scale of investment points to the need for stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions and development partners.
Partnerships Key to Mobilising Climate Finance
Participants discussed ways to attract additional capital for the programme. These included concessional financing, de-risking instruments and technical assistance.
Such mechanisms could encourage greater participation by development finance institutions and private investors.
Through its clean energy financing initiatives, KCB says it is strengthening the role of financial institutions in supporting Kenya’s climate commitments.
Additionally, the bank also sees the transition as an opportunity to improve access to cleaner energy, protect natural resources and create healthier, more sustainable learning environments.
As discussions at COP31 continue, the proposed expansion highlights the financing required to make clean energy more accessible across Kenya’s education sector.
