Rationale for leveraging on Innovation and Technology to Mitigate Against Climate Change Impacts in Kenya

Abstract

Though climate change has taken place throughout history, global warming and associated challenges and impacts have increased globally since the advent of industrial revolution. Climate change and its impacts became more pronounced in the past 10,000 years and Kenya has had a fair share of these impacts. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), "Since systematic scientific assessments began in the 1970s, the influence of human activity on the warming of the climate system has evolved from theory to established fact”. Climate change has therefore necessitated a change of programmes, projects, policies and infrastructural investments to mitigate and control its negative impacts, which requires the use of innovative technology, communication and development approaches. Innovative technology is needed to migrate the society from the traditional mitigation and climate response measures to modern and sustainable approaches. This study focuses on leveraging innovation and technology to mitigate against climate change and global warming impacts in Kenya. The study will use systemic innovation theory to emphasize the interconnectedness of technological, social, and institutional factors, and communication, which are key in fostering an enabling environment for innovation. The context of the study is around the activities of Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) in Nairobi County. The study assesses how KCIC has used technology and innovation in driving innovative and technology focused solutions for climate change mitigation and sustainable development. The study will adopt a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) with the KCIC staff to highlight and thoroughly investigate the rationale for leveraging on innovation and technology to mitigate against climate change impacts in Kenya. The study proposes greater use of technology and innovation to mitigate against impacts of climate change in Kenya.