Nestled in Oloropil, Kajiado West Subcounty, a few kilometres from Nairobi, the AGNES Centre of Excellence for Climate Leadershi Jael Vike Climate Policy Centre rises against a breathtaking backdrop of expansive plains and towering mountains. Once, this landscape was dotted with Maasai herders guiding their cattle across lush pastures. Today, the scene has dramatically changed. The once-green plains are parched, and livestock are few and far between, victims of relentless droughts, erratic rainfall, and disappearing water sources. The land, once teeming with life, now tells a story of resilience and struggle against climate change.
Why Kajiado? The Climate Crisis at Ground Zero
Kajiado County, which is located in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), has long been in the headlines for the adverse effects of climate change. Locals have been grappling with relentless droughts, flash floods, and the loss of pasture that threaten the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. For instance, in 2023/2024, thousands of livestock died, and those that survived the drought were swept away by flash floods that followed. As these challenges intensify as exacerbated by the wide spread of invasive species especially Prosopsis juliflora (Mathenge) and Ipomoea weed, which are chocking pasturelands, the urgency for local solutions has never been greater. In response, the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) is set to establish the AGNES Centre of Excellence for Climate Research and Leadership—the first initiative of its kind in Africa—dedicated to bridging the gap between science-policy-practice.
The Jael Vike Climate Policy Centre is named after AGNES’ former Director and Local Representative in Kenya the late Advocate Jael Vike Ludeki (MHSRIEP).
Situated in Kisamis, the Centre will not be just a facility; it will serve as a living laboratory where global climate experts collaborate with local communities to develop practical, on-the-ground solutions. Kajiado County, a stark example of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, has not only suffered from prolonged droughts but also the spread of invasive weed species, such as ipomoea which threaten grazing lands and food security.
The Role of the NDC Delivery Lab
The NDC Delivery Lab, a flagship initiative of AGNES, plays a vital role in transforming the Centre into a hub for climate action. By bridging the gap between policy and implementation, the lab integrates cutting-edge science and indigenous knowledge to advance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS). It has spearheaded key initiatives such as mobilising climate finance through a Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept note for Kenya, supporting policy development in collaboration with the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre, and driving adaptation strategies for smallholder agriculture in Kenya and Nigeria. Additionally, it fosters capacity building by training early-career climate fellows across Africa.
With the establishment of the Climate Policy Centre, these pioneering efforts will now have a dedicated facility to expand their reach, enabling a broader impact and benefiting more communities.
A Hub for Research, Innovation, and Climate Action
Building on the foundation laid by the NDC Delivery Lab, the Centre will serve as a dynamic hub for research, innovation, and climate action. It will drive advanced research and training through postgraduate programs, including PhD, Master’s, and Diploma courses in climate science, environmental sustainability, and climate finance, equipping the next generation of climate leaders. Direct community engagement will be central to its mission, fostering collaboration between scientists and local communities to co-create practical solutions. Additionally, the Centre will strengthen Africa’s climate leadership by training policymakers and negotiators, ensuring the continent’s voice is well-represented in global discussions. Short courses and master classes on critical topics—such as carbon markets, nature-based solutions, and climate justice—will further enhance capacity building. At the forefront of technological advancement, the Centre will explore AI and digital tools to accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Building a Resilient Future
Beyond research and training, the Jael Vike Climate Policy Centre is committed to bridging the gap between science, policy, and practice—one of Africa’s most pressing climate challenges. While the continent has developed robust climate policies, implementation remains a hurdle. The Centre seeks to change this by transforming research insights into tangible climate action and fostering collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and communities to create scalable solutions. More than just a facility, it represents a commitment to ensuring that Africa survives and thrives in the face of climate change. By training future climate leaders, engaging policymakers, and empowering communities, the Centre will be a beacon of hope and innovation, redefining climate resilience for future generations.