Kiambu County Directorate of Climate Change and Energy has conducted a six-day exercise across the county to monitor proposed projects for the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, following the county’s recent allocation of Sh 99 million from the fund.
FLLoCA, which is a five-year Government of Kenya programme funded by the World Bank, focuses on taking money to the grassroots for the local people to decide on climate actions which suit their specific geographical areas based on indigenous knowledge.
Through such citizen engagement forums, the foundation commits to ensuring meaningful citizen participation in climate decision-making and providing essential support to counties and local communities.
The exercise included site visits to assess where these proposed projects will be implemented by the Climate Change Unit, the FLLoCA implementation team, and the local community.
Among the initiatives being evaluated in the county are drilling and equipping of boreholes, construction of drainage systems, distribution of tree seedlings, creation of tree nurseries, distribution of water tanks, marking and pegging of riparian land, construction of fishponds, and solarisation of boreholes.
According to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water and Environment, David Kuria, the programme is a significant step forward in the battle against climate change, which provides the much-needed solutions to the challenges faced in Kiambu County specifically.
“This important initiative is set to benefit all 60 wards in the county; the exercise is ongoing, and the directorate is excited about the positive impact it will have across our community,” Kuria said.
The CEC for environment stated that several critical issues were highlighted, including pollution of rivers, illegal grabbing of riparian reserves, blockage of streams, land degradation, and the lack of proper drainage systems.
These problems he said, have led to severe consequences, such as residents being forced to move out of their homes due to stagnant water caused by flooding.
He further cited that the funds will therefore be used to address these hazards by financing vital projects like the construction of farm ponds, soil and water conservation structures, and a fish cold room, among other initiatives.
“This project not only addresses water scarcity but also contributes to climate change adaptation in the region; by improving water access, it helps mitigate the effects of unpredictable rainfall patterns on agriculture and local livelihoods,” added Kuria.
In the current 23/24 financial year, the National Treasury, through the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme steering committee, released a total of Sh7.4 billion to 45 counties that are qualified for the programme.
By Grace Naishoo
