Diverse group of climate thinkers and decision-makers convened in May2025 at Ole Sereni Hotel, in Nairobi. At the heart of the discussions was one ambitious goal of building a tool that could transform how Kenya measures climate progress. Led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (MECCF), and joined by partners like CDKN, WRI, AGNES, county governments, and CSOs, the meeting marked a pivotal step in developing a unified Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) Tool and Ministerial Indicator Handbook—systems designed to turn climate data into real, actionable insights.
Why Harmonized Indicators Matter
For years, climate reporting in Kenya has wrestled with a familiar set of problems—fragmented data, inconsistent methodologies, and reports that don’t speak to each other. It’s a challenge that makes it hard to measure real progress, let alone tell a cohesive climate story. During the workshop, MECCF’s Tom Mirasi didn’t mince words: relying on the same outdated indicators year after year no longer serves the country’s evolving climate realities.
The MERL Tool and Indicator Handbook aim to fix this by introducing:
- Standardized, cross-sectoral indicators
- Disaggregated data by gender, age, and location
- Real-time reporting systems integrated with platforms like CIMES and e-NIMES
- Clear custodianship for data responsibility across ministries and counties
These improvements will make it possible to aggregate, compare, and act on climate data more effectively, transforming the way Kenya governs its climate commitments at both national and subnational levels. Professor Karanja Njoroge of WRI emphasized this need for transformation, saying: “Data is what helps us know where we are, where we’ve been, and where we must go.” His call for a cultural shift towards data-driven decision-making was echoed by all partners in the room.
AGNES Commitment and role on the MERL tool
Representing AGNES, Dr. David Awolala emphasized that the MERL Tool and Indicator Handbook are not just administrative necessities, but strategic enablers of measurable climate action. He reiterated AGNES’ full support for the initiative, noting that it will enhance national systems, strengthen accountability, and provide a credible framework to track climate investments. AGNES is fundamentally committed to supporting evidence-based policy and decision-making across Africa, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable development.
Aligning Local and Global Climate Goals
Kenya’s new climate data systems aren’t just domestic tools—they are also diplomatic instruments. By aligning national indicators with global targets, the MERL Tool will enhance transparency and credibility in Kenya’s international reporting, including contributions to the Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) under the Paris Agreement. The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), climate finance tracking, and transition monitoring are just a few global priorities that require clear, actionable metrics. With harmonized indicators, Kenya can demonstrate tangible results, attract greater donor confidence, and secure financing for locally led adaptation and mitigation.
Driving Locally Led Action and Inclusive Data Systems
The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) brought critical insights to the workshop, showcasing their commitment to financing locally led climate actions and strengthening the sustainability of public-good investments. As part of their 2022–2027 program phase, CDKN shared findings from a 2023 study that exposed key gaps in information flow, feedback mechanisms, and indicators for tracking impact. Their roadmap includes co-creation workshops, national validation sessions, and a strong emphasis on gender equity and social inclusion (GESI). CDKN’s contribution is helping to ensure that Kenya’s MERL system is not only technically sound but also grounded in real-world governance and inclusive development priorities.
The Path Ahead
As the workshop closed, one thing was clear—this is just the beginning. WRI, AGNES, and the World Bank will now consolidate all stakeholder input into a unified MERL framework. The Ministry will lead the next wave of action through regional validation workshops, with a draft of the Indicator Handbook set for release in July 2025. The momentum is strong, and the message is stronger, if Kenya wants measurable impact, it must start with measurable data.