Dr. Tecla Psuma, leading with innovation and vision as moderator from Masinde Muliro University at the LREB Climate Summit 2025
The Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) Regional Climate Change and Agri-Expo took place from October 14th to 16th, 2025, at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, Kenya. The event, themed “Investing in Climate Solutions: Finance, Innovation, and Action,” focused on regional collaboration to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture. However, the event was abruptly suspended on October 15th in mourning for the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, following a directive from President William Ruto to suspend all official events during the national mourning period.
The event began with a Conservation Marathon and a tree-planting exercise in the Kakamega Tropical Rain Forest, led by H.E. Wilber Ottichilo, Governor of Vihiga County. It featured a Summit Hackathon Challenge, in which universities and learning institutions competed with innovations aimed at climate solutions. The program also included technical working group sessions to co-develop the LREB Regional Climate Investment Plan, cultural festivals, and a gala dinner celebrating contributions to climate action.
The National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) played a significant role in the 1st LREB Regional Climate Change Summit and Agri-Expo 2025. In a notable address, Ms. Mildred Mugambi delivered welcome remarks on behalf of Dr. David Ngigi, Acting Director General/CEO of NACOSTI. She emphasized the crucial role of research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) in addressing climate change and driving socio-economic transformation in the Lake Region. She highlighted NACOSTI’s functions, including licensing research, policy development, registration of research institutions, and fostering collaborations with government agencies, universities, and industry, as foundational in supporting national and regional climate initiatives
The remarks underscored the urgent need for substantial climate finance and collective action to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of global warming, especially in economically vulnerable nations. During the summit, NACOSTI actively participated in the LREB Summit Hackathon Challenge, bringing together academia, researchers, and innovators to showcase solutions in climate science and technology. Through this involvement, NACOSTI emphasized the importance of investing in science and innovation for climate solutions, supporting climate finance and adaptation efforts, and ensuring transparent governance in the management of climate-related research and innovations.
The summit engaged a wide array of stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, innovators, and representatives from key agencies, discussing climate resilience, green financing, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Although the program was cut short, the event demonstrated strong commitments to combating climate change in the Lake Region, with a clear focus on innovation and investment in climate solutions.