Raila Odinga leaves Kenya for COP27 climate change summit in Egypt

In a communiqué issued on Monday, Mr Odinga has been invited to the summit to address the delegation in his capacity as the African Union (AU), High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. 

He will be expected to make a presentation on the impact of climate change on infrastructure development in the African continent.

"Why there is a need for strengthening adaptation and resilience, mitigating emissions, facilitating a just transition, and increasing funding and collaboration for essential climate solutions," read part of the statement.

The conference officially kicked off on Sunday, November 6, and more than 130 Heads of State are expected to be in attendance. 

President William Ruto is leading the Kenyan delegation and will also be the leader of the African Continent Heads of State at the summit.

He is expected to deliver two statements, one for Kenya and another for Africa, to over 40,000 delegates.

The integral aim of the conference will be to make an agreement to discuss compensating poor nations for mounting damage linked to global warming, placing the controversial topic on the agenda for the first time since climate talks began decades ago.