KIPPRA, in collaboration with the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), held a breakfast roundtable in Nairobi on March 1st, 2024, for the Earth4all National Engagement Initiative for Kenya.
Earth4all is an international initiative to accelerate the systems change that society needs for an equitable future on a finite planet, which calls for a combination of the best available science with new economic thinking. The initiative provides a vision and a feasible, affordable plan for system change by introducing five turnarounds: eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, empower women, transform food systems, and overhaul energy systems. The analysis explores two scenarios for 2050: the Too Little Too Late (TLTL) scenario, which results in increasing inequality and social tensions; and the Giant Leap (GL) scenario, which results in an end to extreme poverty, a fall in social tensions, and an improvement in wellbeing by adopting the five turnarounds.
In attendance at the roundtable included the PEP Executive Director Prof. Jane Mariara and Director of Economic Management at KIPPRA Dr Eldah Onsomu. Representatives from various sectors, including academia, government ministries and departments and the private sector, also participated in the event.
To guide the discussions, Dr Ken Kigundu and Dr Onsomu made brief presentations, outlining the TLTL and GL scenarios, including the various indicators. They also highlighted the five turnarounds, the policy implications and recommendations for each turnaround and what amplifiers ought to be focused on to guarantee the GL scenario in combating poverty and ensuring equality.
To give a broader view of the report, a panel of four experts provided input based on turnarounds. Prof. Richard Mulwa from the University of Nairobi discussed energy systems while Dr Isabella Kiplagat from KIPPRA focused on empowerment. Prof. John Mburu from the University of Nairobi looked at food systems and Mr Richard Odiga delved into social protection, inequality, and poverty.
This was followed by a plenary session where the other participants shared their perspectives on the report.
The National Engagement Report is meant to promote national policies as well as champion Earth4all messages locally and internationally.
