Nairobi, July 16, 2025
Kenya and the OSS deepen strategic partnerships to tackle climate and environmental challenges in Africa
As climate and environmental risks intensify across Africa, the need for robust, transboundary collaboration has become more urgent than ever before. In this context, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory and the Government of Kenya have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing joint action on climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management.
Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, OSS Executive Secretary, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry of Kenya. The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi, provided an opportunity to consolidate the longstanding relationship between Kenya and the OSS, built on mutual trust, shared priorities, and a continental vision for climate-responsive development.
Member of its Executive Board, Kenya holds a prominent position within the OSS, where it contributes to its strategic direction and governance. This leadership role underscores Kenya’s active involvement in shaping regional environmental policy, supporting scientific cooperation, and promoting the adoption of locally led climate solutions across the continent.
During the meeting, discussions centered on broadening institutional cooperation beyond project-level engagement, with a focus on joint programming, regional dialogue, technical knowledge exchange, and long-term investment in resilience-building systems. The Ministry emphasized its willingness to work closely with the OSS to strengthen coordination mechanisms, scale successful initiatives, and align future activities with national development priorities and global environmental frameworks.
Mr. Ben Khatra expressed appreciation for Kenya’s critical leadership in environmental diplomacy and regional climate governance and reaffirmed the OSS responsibility to expanding its support to member States through practical, country-driven approaches that respond to the realities of local communities and national institutions.
“Strategic partnerships with countries like Kenya are the cornerstone of the OSS mission. Together, we can scale impactful solutions that are rooted in science, policy, and shared ownership,” he stated.
Members of the OSS delegation, Mr. Steve Muhanji, Head of Project Development and Strategic Partnerships, and Mr. Robert Onyango, Project Manager, reinforced the comprehensive nature of the OSS engagement in Kenya, one that spans high-level policy alignment, technical collaboration, and field-level implementation support.
Hon. Dr. Barasa praised the long-standing cooperation with the OSS and reiterated Kenya’s bond to regional solidarity, policy coherence, and scaling up climate finance for transformative adaptation and land restoration.
“The OSS has been a trusted partner to Kenya and the region. We look forward to working more closely on frameworks that empower communities, build institutional capacity, and unlock the potential of regional partnerships,” she said.
More structured mechanisms for collaboration are yet to come, including regular technical missions, joint planning sessions, and enhanced participation in the OSS knowledge platforms. Discussions also paved the way for Kenya’s increased involvement in emerging OSS-led initiatives focused on ecosystem monitoring, transboundary cooperation, and resilience financing.
Photos from the courtesy visit depict a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose. The image of the Executive Secretary’s official engagement with Hon. Dr. Barasa, alongside senior technical officers, underscores the growing momentum behind the OSS drive to unify African countries around climate-smart development and sustainable environmental governance.