From Roadmap to Investment: Investors Consultation on Mobilizing Finance For Climate-resilient Infrastructure in Kenya

The University of Nairobi and GCA will host an investors
consultation to identify practical pathways for financing and implementing priority adaptation investments identified through the National Roadmap for Climate Resilient Infrastructure, a joint initiative launched under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP).

Context

Kenya’s infrastructure systems underpin the country’s economic and social services but face growing climate risks. Climate impacts have already cost the country an estimated 3–5% of GDP annually in the decade leading to 2020. Looking ahead, climate models point to a future with even more extreme conditions. Investing in infrastructure that is robust and adaptable to climate is now imperative. Studies show that making infrastructure more climate resilient can add up to 3% to upfront costs, but bring a benefit-cost ratio of about 4:1, accruing improved rate of return and long term net benefits from timely investment.

The National Roadmap for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure is a comprehensive response to these challenges. Developed by the University of Nairobi and GCA through a multi-stakeholder process involving government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners, the Roadmap provides a structured framework for integrating climate resilience into Kenya’s national infrastructure. Using an evidence-based approach, it maps vulnerabilities and quantified climate risks across Kenya’s transport, energy, water, and ICT sectors to prioritize adaptation measures and investment opportunities that have greatest impact.

Objectives of the Consultation
Leveraging outcomes from the National Roadmap, this consultation will bring together leading Kenyan institutions, development finance institutions, domestic investors, and private sector partners to identify practical
pathways for advancing investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

The event will begin with a showcase of project concepts identified and prioritized through two years of technical research, geospatial analysis,
and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Participants will gain insight into a data-driven national pipeline of projects spanning the transport, energy, water, and ICT sectors — prioritized to address key climate vulnerabilities, safeguard infrastructure systems, and enable sustainable growth.

A subsequent moderated discussion will explore how these projects could be financed and implemented, and help shape partnerships for scaling investment and action for climate-resilient infrastructure across Kenya. The following themes will be discussed:

• Defining “Bankable” Projects – Understanding what makes projects investment-ready and the role of evidence backed pipelines in attracting financing.
• Sharing Insights on financing infrastructure projects.
• Investor Perspectives – Exploring what investors and financiers need to move forward with adaptation solutions, and pinpointing barriers and opportunities.
• Financing Models to Attract Private Capital – How to attract private capital for climate-resilient infrastructure through blended finance, guarantees, and PPPs.
• Partnerships for Implementation – Strengthening coordination among government, commercial, and development partners to build pipelines and mobilize resources and technical support.

The event will close with a Networking Lunch reception, offering opportunity to further connect.

Expected Outcome
The consultation will inform ongoing efforts to operationalize Kenya’s National Roadmap for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and support the translation of project concepts into bankable investments ready for financing and implementation. It is expected to strengthen collaborations to accelerate investment in climate adaptation and resilience.