NAIROBI, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The quest for climate resilient growth in Kenya will be realized subject to realignment of existing policies and legislation combined with greater engagement with industry and local communities, experts said on Thursday.

Speaking at the inaugural Summer School on Climate Justice underway in Nairobi, the experts stressed the need for progressive policies and targeted investments in cleaner technologies to reinvigorate Kenya's green agenda.

Joseph Kurauka, a Nairobi-based environmental scholar said that a supportive policy and regulatory framework was required to facilitate Kenya's drive towards carbon neutrality amid rapid economic growth.

"There is a need to factor climate resilience in our national development plans to minimize shocks on livelihoods and natural wealth," said Kurauka.

He said that existence of legal safeguards will ensure that rapid urbanization does not harm vital ecosystems including watersheds, mangrove forests and wetlands that are key to shield communities from extreme weather events.

Kenya is hosting the Summer School on Climate Justice organized by Nairobi based Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12.

More than 500 delegates including policymakers, researchers, innovators and campaigners are participating in the two weeks forum to discuss new strategies that can be adopted to boost climate resilience among vulnerable communities.

Robert Muthami, an environmental policy expert said the climate crisis had escalated against a backdrop of unsustainable practices hence the need for enactment of new policies and laws to promote low carbon and less resource intensive development.

According to Muthami, many African countries had borne the brunt of climate related disasters hence the need to strengthen their adaptive capacity through adoption of appropriate technologies, clean energy and habitats' regeneration.

He said that policies that promote sustainable production and consumption should be enacted in order to strengthen climate resilience among Kenyan businesses and households. Enditem

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