Kenya will spend Sh2.4 trillion on the implementation of and smooth transition to a low carbon economy. Some Sh300 billion will be used to improve water and sanitation services by expanding and upgrading water supply services and constructing sewerage systems. Another Sh200 billion will be used in enhancing sustainable mobility by reducing vehicular emissions and establishing Bus Rapid Transit in major urban areas, especially Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. More funds will be spent on developing agricultural infrastructure and increasing energy efficiency. Environment CS Judi Wakhungu said counties will be the key implementers and aid in spurring Kenya’s economic development. To ensure full participation of the counties in greening the economy, 47 green economy forums will be established, she said on Thursday at the launch of the Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan. Financing low carbon economy The key channel of financing green economy initiatives will remain the Medium Term Expenditure Framework budget process both at the national and county government levels. Other financing tools include concessional grants and loans, public-private partnerships, government-led investment and international funding. The Ministry of Environment will look into developing a GESIP portal for the public that will be used to communicate incentive programmes, educational information and act as a strong information distribution network. The CS added that aggressive public awareness campaigns will be mounted to ensure that the widest possible audience is reached. The campaigns will incorporate both traditional media platforms and new media, including use of social media platforms to promote the GESIP, its benefits and why a transition to a green economy is the preferred national development approach. The green economy plan states that weak enforcement laws and regulations across sectors constrain Kenya’s transition to a sustainable development pathway. In particular, enforcement of environmental regulations is weak and ineffective. Inadequate information about green technology is also a challenge and has resulted in limited standards for green technology, goods and services. The European Union said it is committed to supporting Kenya through the transition. EU’s Walter Tretton said levels of investment in the green economy will generate higher growth than the case of normal businesses.