Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Monday, November 7 left the country to attend the 27th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP27).

In a press statement by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communications Philip Etale, Raila was invited to the conference by Egypt’s President Sharm El-Sheikh in his capacity as the African Union (AU), High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

“During the summit, Hon. Odinga is expected to make a presentation on the impact of climate change on infrastructure development in Africa and why there is a need for strengthening adaptation and resilience, mitigating emissions, facilitating a just transition, and increasing funding and collaboration for essential climate solutions.

“The Summit comes in the wake of last month’s publishing of the Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) by the African Union, which is a 10-year strategic planning document to address the impacts of climate change that hamper the continent’s integration and development,” Etale said in the statement.

Raila to join Ruto

Raila will join President William Ruto who arrived in the Arab country on Sunday, November 6.

In a notice, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the President will be speaking on behalf of Kenya and Africa between 4:35 pm and 4:55 pm on Monday, November 7.

“President Ruto to deliver a statement on behalf of the African Group and Kenya at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Time: 1535-1555 hrs (1635-1655 hrs EAT),” Hussein tweeted.

The summit, which brings together more than 130 Heads of State from around the globe, comes at a time when Africa is facing weather extremes coupled with energy and food crises.

Kenya is experiencing the worst drought in 40 years as a result of the effects of climate change.

The President, who is the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, will on Monday deliver two statements, one for Kenya and another for Africa.

“He will advocate for the implementation of the Paris Agreement adopted by 196 Parties at COP21 in 2015 that undertakes to combat climate change and adapt to its effects,” State House said in a statement.

President Ruto on Sunday met his Rwanda counterpart Paul Kagame for bilateral talks.

The two countries enjoy long-established mutual interests and an enduring partnership on economic, education, and security issues.

“The Kenya-Rwanda friendship is a cornerstone of our shared prosperity and regional stability.

“We look forward to growing trade and expanding investments with Rwanda for the mutual benefit of the citizens of our two countries,” Ruto said.

The President also met Comoros President Azali Assoumani and Angola Vice President Esperança Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa and discussed the implementation of previous agreements on mitigation of climate change.

“Africa is calling for urgent implementation of previous agreements on mitigation of climate change. It is our view as a continent that enough talk and commitments have been made.

“It is time for implementation,” he stated.

The conference has been held annually since the first UN climate agreement in 1992.

It is used by governments to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.

Egypt was announced as the host of the conference following a successful bid launched in 2021.