On Heels of Council-Led Delegation, California and Kenya Formalize Climate Partnership

California and Kenya formalized a climate and economic partnership during New York Climate Week on September 24, with Gov. Gavin Newsom and President William Ruto signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU text outlines cooperation on climate action and green trade between the two regions.

The Bay Area Council played a pivotal role in establishing this partnership. In August, the Council organized a multi-sector delegation to Kenya and Nigeria in partnership with the State of California and UC Davis. In Nairobi, the delegation—led by California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin—met with President Ruto to explore opportunities in climate cooperation and green trade, laying the foundation for last week’s MOU.

The partnership builds on momentum from the California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum hosted by the Bay Area Council in April on Earth Day. That event brought together over 150 leaders aboard the Historic Klamath to strengthen collaboration on clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and transportation decarbonization.

The Council remains committed to supporting California’s growing engagement with Africa and continues working to deepen cross-continental partnerships in climate innovation and economic development.