The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 hosted the Japan ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Ken Okaniwa. 

During the meeting issues around climate change, renewable energy, circular economy on matters of environment (recycling and waste management) and forestry were discussed  

Amb. Okaniwa assured the Committee led by Hon. David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East) of Japan's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Kenya in areas around climate change and environment. 

"I want to commend Kenya for being a champion of combating climate change both mitigation and adaptation. Japan, being the biggest country behind renewable energy in the Ol-Karia Geothermal Plant, shall continue supporting you," he said. 

He added that Japan is  developing some tree species to be planted during tree planting campaigns and that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is committed to developing timber industry in Kenya. 

Members led by Hon. Gikaria thanked Amb. Okaniwa for their continued support emphasising on the need for Kenya to benchmark with Japan on environment and climate change management. 

"One year ago, we had the worst drought in this region, all these are a result of climate change brought about by human activities. However, we are committed to ensuring we come up with climate friendly activities like the current national project geared towards the planting of 15 billion trees and encouraging renewable energy," Hon. Gikaria said.