NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 12 – The European Union (EU) Ambassadors visited Homabay and Migori Counties with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative to actively promote the green transition in South Nyanza.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, along with Ambassadors from Austria, Germany, France, Sweden, and Poland, visited the two devolved units to engage with local government officials, business leaders, academics, and researchers, aiming to foster stronger relationships between the European Union and the region.
Geiger said that for the EU, South Nyanza is a region with a vast number of opportunities for broader cooperation.
“With a shared vision in green investments, the European Union and its Member States are excited to strengthen their cooperation with South Nyanza,” said Ambassador of Austria Christian Fellner.
In meetings with Governors Gladys Wanga and Ochilo Ayacko, the conversations revolved around the important role that devolution and localized decision-making play in the green transition.
Highlighting the importance of achieving a carbon net-zero economy, Caroline Vicini, the Ambassador of Sweden, said common efforts are needed to achieve a carbon net-zero economy, increasing renewable energy capabilities, and promoting innovation in the energy industry.
“Embracing a spirit of co-creation, partnership and dialogue our visit showcased projects on renewable and accessible energy, climate-smart and sustainable agricultural value chains, e-mobility, climate finance and circular economy and sustainable infrastructure under the umbrella of the Global Gateway strategy,” Ambassador of Germany, Sebastian Groth added.
Ambassador of Poland Mirosław Gojdź explored the potential benefits of public-private partnerships and targeted cooperation in sectors such as the blue economy, food security, and energy by meeting representatives from the private sector.
These initiatives are expected to enhance economic development in Kenya, aligning with the recently signed EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.
“Targeted cooperation in the blue economy, food security and energy sector in the region can lead to increased direct investments, boost trade in goods and create new economic opportunities to enhance Kenya’s economic development, also in the context of the recently signed EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement,” the Ambassador of France, Arnaud Suquet elaborated.
