Kenya has chaired a key international meeting tasked with addressing compliance challenges under the Montreal protocol, as countries prepare to review progress in protecting the ozone layer.

The 77th Meeting of the Implementation Committee (ImpCom), held on October 30, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda, was chaired by Linda Kosgei, Director of Multilateral Environmental Agreements at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, in her capacity as President of the Committee.

The meeting brought together Committee members to assess outstanding compliance issues, review challenges facing countries in implementing the protocol and recommend measures to strengthen its enforcement.

A statement to newsrooms indicates that the deliberations came ahead of the 38th Meeting of the Parties (MOP38) to the Montreal Protocol, scheduled for November 2–6, 2026, also in Kigali.

Recommendations and proposed decisions from the Committee will be submitted to the Meeting of the Parties for consideration and adoption.

The Implementation Committee plays a central role in ensuring that countries meet their obligations under the Montreal Protocol’s Non-Compliance Procedure, which provides a framework for addressing actual or potential violations through dialogue, cooperation and mutual support.

Its mandate includes reviewing submissions from countries, identifying difficulties affecting compliance and recommending appropriate interventions, including technical and financial assistance where necessary.

The Committee’s approach recognizes the different capacities and circumstances of member countries, particularly developing nations, while promoting accountability and strengthening international cooperation in protecting the ozone layer.

Speaking during the meeting, Kosgei reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to carrying out its mandate impartially and constructively, guided by international cooperation and mutual trust.

She also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between member countries and the Ozone Secretariat to ensure effective implementation of the Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol is widely regarded as one of the most successful international environmental agreements, having established a global framework for controlling substances responsible for ozone layer depletion.

Kenya’s leadership of the Implementation Committee highlights its participation in international environmental governance and efforts to sustain global commitments to ozone layer protection.

Kosgei commended Committee members for their constructive engagement and contributions, urging for continued commitment to the collective responsibility of safeguarding the ozone layer for present and future generations.

 By Joseph Ng’ang’a