Trócaire, an organization that works to develop sustainable livelihoods and help communities prepare and respond to natural disasters, has partnered with a local organization Caritas Lodwar to launch a new 23-month project that addresses issues on climate change governance in Turkana County.
The project, funded by UK Aid through the Department for International Development (DFID), aims “to contribute to an accountable, inclusive governance framework for pro-poor, ecosystem based climate change adaptation in Turkana”.
The project specifically aims at strengthening the capacity of government institutions and duty bearers to develop pro-poor climate change sensitive policies, training community members on climate change to enable them to influence policy and supporting community groups to develop and adopt ecosystem-based climate change adaptation strategies.
The new Trócaire project is titled “Promoting Ecosystem-based Adaptation Approaches to Climate Change and Governance in Turkana County”.
The project is under the Deepening Democracy Programme (DDP) that aims at contributing to more inclusive, responsive and accountable governance in Kenya.
Speaking during the launch, the Trócaire Kenya Country Director, Eithne Brennan said that Trócaire’s climate change programme has had a huge effect on the people of Turkana, and that everyone, including the Kenyan government, needed to be accountable for what they were doing to mitigate these effects.
“Trócaire is committed to work with the people of Turkana on this project,” she said, highlighting how Trócaire has been supporting work in Turkana since the 1970’s, including the recent opening of Trócaire’s sub-office located at the Holy Family Kanamkemer Parish in Lodwar.
Also present was Joseph Akure representing DFID Kenya who said the programme was anchored on rights and accountability, in order to create awareness of climate change and demand for services such as climate change adaptation from the county government.
“It is my expectation that when Trócaire implements the project, communities can demand action from members of the County Assembly,” he said, further urging communities to embrace the project and participate fully to enhance sustainability.
The Katilu ward MCA, James Abei underscored the role of the county assembly in creating laws to help mitigate issues affecting citizens.
“I’m happy that this project has come at a time when we need it the most,” he stated, adding that he would work to ensure knowledge is utilized to assist the county develop climate change mitigation policies.
By Peter Gitonga
