KCB Bank has called for stronger strategic partnerships and increased investment in sustainable finance to accelerate the transition to clean energy in Kenya’s education sector.
The bank hosted a high-level side event at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together government leaders and key stakeholders to explore financing opportunities for climate action and sustainable development.
Held under the theme, “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Finance, Climate Action and Investment in Kenya,” the session focused on accelerating the decarbonisation of schools and other learning institutions through innovative financing solutions.
The engagement was led by KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai and attended by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa and Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Festus Ng’eno.
Since 2022, KCB has implemented a clean energy financing pilot worth more than KSh2 billion, supporting 600 schools and 60 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to adopt cleaner energy solutions.
The initiative has helped participating institutions reduce energy costs, reliance on biomass fuels and improve energy reliability.
Speaking during the event, CS Barasa highlighted the Government’s commitment to achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2028.
She noted that the programme could be expanded to cover 10,000 secondary schools, 250 TVET institutions and 42 universities, requiring an estimated US$460 million in financing.
Stakeholders also called for increased mobilisation of capital through concessional financing, risk-sharing instruments and technical assistance to attract development finance institutions and private investors.
Through the initiative, KCB is positioning financial institutions as key partners in Kenya’s climate transition while supporting cleaner energy, environmental protection and healthier learning environments.