Geneva, Switzerland – The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP P1) held its inaugural plenary session on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Geneva International Conference Centre, with Kenya actively participating in the talks aimed at strengthening the global science-policy interface on chemicals, waste, and pollution.
Kenya’s delegation is led by Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, who underscored the country’s commitment to international cooperation on the sound management of chemicals and waste, and to addressing pollution across its lifecycle.
Kenya’s Position
Ahead of the plenary, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Fancy Too, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. During the briefing, Ng’eno highlighted the importance of aligning global scientific evidence with national and regional policy priorities to support sustainable development, protect human health, and safeguard ecosystems.
“Kenya remains committed to strengthening international cooperation and advancing science-driven solutions to pollution and waste management,” Ng’eno said.
About the ISP-CWP
The ISP-CWP is a newly established, independent intergovernmental body mandated to enhance the global science-policy interface on chemicals, waste, and pollution. Its role is to bridge the gap between science and policy by providing policymakers with credible, policy-relevant scientific assessments to support decision-making at national, regional, and global levels.
Ng’eno noted that Kenya views the panel as a key mechanism for advancing evidence-based environmental governance, particularly for developing countries that face disproportionate impacts from pollution and hazardous waste.
Diplomatic Support
Ambassador Too reaffirmed Kenya’s support for multilateral environmental processes, stressing that the Geneva Mission plays a strategic role in advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate diplomacy. She assured the delegation of the Mission’s cooperation during the plenary and related negotiations.
Also present at the briefing were Ambassador James Waweru of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Linda Kosgei of the Ministry of Environment, and Mr. Tobias Ogweno from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside other senior officials.
Looking Ahead
The first session of the plenary will run from February 2 to 6, 2026, with discussions expected to set the foundation for global collaboration on chemicals management, waste reduction, and pollution control. Kenya’s participation reflects its commitment to fulfilling national, regional, and international environmental obligations through science-driven solutions.
Conclusion
Kenya’s engagement at the ISP-CWP P1 plenary underscores its proactive role in shaping global environmental governance. By aligning scientific evidence with policy priorities, the country aims to strengthen sustainable development pathways while protecting ecosystems and human health from the growing challenges of pollution and hazardous waste.
