SEforALL collaborates with Ten Kenyan County Governments to Prepare for Extreme Heat

SEforALL’s Country Brief on Sustainable Cooling for All in Kenya shows that 9.6 million Kenyans are at high risk due to a lack of access to cooling. This includes 5.1 million rural poor who lack electricity and live in extreme poverty and 4.5 million urban poor living in poor quality housing and facing intermittent electricity supply. As Kenya approaches the hot season, characterized by soaring temperatures and prolonged dry spells, the need for effective cooling solutions becomes increasingly critical.

To this end, SEforALL is working with the county governments of Kilifi, Makueni, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Nakuru, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Laikipia, Vihiga and Turkana to develop Heat Action Plans as part of Kenya’s national and county-level strategies to address extreme heat, expected energy demand in County Energy Plans and promote sustainable cooling solutions.

The Heat Action Plans are being developed in partnership with the Kenya Council of Governors, the Climate Resilience Center, and UNEP-led Cool Coalition, among others. This pilot project will address the immediate challenges associated with extreme heat and bolster the implementation of the County Energy Plans and the Kenya National Cooling Action Plan. By leveraging these frameworks, the project aims to create a coordinated response that addresses contextual needs across different counties.

The Heat Action Plan Initiative focuses on three main goals: addressing immediate needs, promoting long-term strategies, and integrating plans into national strategies. It develops emergency response measures, such as early warning systems and public health efforts, while mobilizing investments and resources. In addition, it emphasizes sustainable urban planning, infrastructure improvements, and alignment with existing policies for a comprehensive response to heat waves.

“Through the Heat Action Plan initiative, counties aim to achieve both immediate, short-term and long-term outcomes with aligned and prioritized investment. In the short term, counties will develop effective emergency responses to heatwaves, while in the long term, they will build resilience against rising temperatures through various sustainable cooling practices especially in nature-based solutions and cold chains for both agriculture and healthcare. This initiative will position participating counties as leaders in climate adaptation globally, serving as a model for others in Kenya and beyond,” said Elizabeth Wangeci Chege, Energy Efficiency and Cooling Officer, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

“Successful county heat action plans must be built on proactive planning, collaboration across sectors and data-driven solutions. These strategies will help protect vulnerable communities from the escalating and compounding risks of extreme heat, ensuring that we respond not only to immediate threats but also build long-term resilience and sustainable development for the future.” Said Eng. Felix Mumbai, Tana River County

Grace Karanja, Director of Environment, Energy, Natural Resources & Climate Change, Nakuru County, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive planning and collaboration in the face of rising temperatures: “Extreme heat can disrupt daily life, reduce worker productivity, and damage infrastructure, leading to significant economic losses. In Nakuru, we recognize that addressing these challenges requires a unified approach—one that combines scientific research, local knowledge, and community engagement. This approach is critical to creating adaptive strategies that safeguard public health, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure sustainable resilience against the escalating risks of extreme heat.”

Eng. Stephen Nzioka, Director Renewable Energy Department (Energy Efficiency) at Ministry of Energy and Petroleum applauded the counties by being pro-active in addressing global warming through sustainable cooling activities.

Rising temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, strains public health, agriculture and infrastructure while increasing demand for efficient and sustainable cooling with vulnerable communities facing heightened risk, productivity declines, and heat-related conditions.

Proactively addressing and mitigating heat waves will help Kenya safeguard both lives and livelihoods, supported by Heat Action Plans.

The launch of the Heat Action Plan initiative underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat rising temperatures across Kenya. By leveraging existing frameworks and addressing local needs, sub-national governments can work together to create sustainable solutions that protect their communities, pool investments and foster resilience in the face of climate change.