Kenyan President William Ruto and visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday resolved to step up cooperation on green hydrogen and improve the business environment to attract German investors.
The two leaders shared their concern about the effects of climate change on livelihoods, communities, and nations and underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to reverse the effects of climate change.
"We agreed to work together in the search for solutions and deepen our collaboration in climate-resilient development and renewable energy, including production of green hydrogen and sustainable agriculture," Ruto said at a joint news conference in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
He emphasized the need to move beyond the debate on adaptation and loss and damage and engage in a candid conversation on climate finance and investment, which would unlock the potential for green economic growth.
Ruto said Germany is committed to funding the expansion of Kenya's Olkaria Geothermal Station.
"Germany has been a steadfast partner in our renewable energy journey and I express my appreciation for their reaffirmed commitment towards increasing the capacity of the Olkaria Geothermal Station," he said.
The leaders also exchanged views on increasing the capacity of Kenya's technical and vocational education and training and the export of skilled workforce to Germany.
"We have agreed to establish a technical team to expeditiously formulate an appropriate framework for the export of labor to Germany," Ruto said.
The Kenyan leader also called on Germany to review the tariff barriers to allow more Kenyan products to enter the German as well as the wider European market.
Scholz said Germany is committed to extending financial and technical support to the African Climate Action Summit that Nairobi will host in September.
On regional peace, the two leaders agreed on the immediate need for unconditional cessation of hostilities, humanitarian aid access, and protection of civilians in Sudan.
Editor: Galia
