The Kajiado County government, in partnership with the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG) under the Christian Aid programme, engaged residents in a participatory climate change planning workshop to determine the residents’ knowledge of climate change information and their preparedness.
Mr. John Kioli, the chairman of KCCWG, said that climate change information will enable the residents to have a proper programme and plan on issues around weather. Through the workshop, they are able to know the county’s preparedness to climate change, especially in the upcoming El Nino.
“We want to know what information Kajiado residents have on climate change and what impact it will have if they do not have the information. Agriculture is the most important activity in Kajiado, and we want to know how well prepared they are because El Nino is around the corner,” said Kioli.
Mr. Kioli noted that there are residents who depend greatly on traditional weather forecasting, and for this reason, they have joined the forecasters and the meteorological department to offer solutions.
“We have traditional weather forecasters and the meteorological department; together, we are looking for solutions on how to inform our people on weather patterns and climate change. From the traditional weather forecasters and the instruments we have, it will be easy to have correct weather predictions,” noted Kioli.
Kenya Red Cross Society County Coordinator Christine Nzilani pointed out that they want residents to understand the risks that may arise due to climate change and the possible actions to take during El Nino rains, and for this reason, they have shared the measures and risks on their social media platforms.
“We want the community to know that at the onset of El Nino, there are areas that are prone to flooding, and these areas have been mapped in all the sub-counties. We want them to know what to do in case of flooding, and we are asking them to vacate if there are risks and talk to others to understand the risks and share the information with as many people as possible, said Nzilani.
One of the farmers in Ildalalekutuk, John Ole Wuapari, termed the workshop educative and informative to farmers like him and commended the county government for bringing all the stakeholders from weather, environment, and agriculture together to update them on measures to take during El Nino.
“I am happy to be educated on what to do as a farmer. I would like to tell people in my community to prepare their land and install water gutters and tanks so that they can harvest rainwater and plant crops. I also ask the people living in riparian lands to move away to safety, and in case you are in danger, inform your area chief and people from the Red Cross,” advised Wuapari.
Jane Nyamwamu of the Neighbours Initiative Alliance reiterated Wuapari’s sentiments, saying, “It is important for the community to prepare for El Nino rains by informing their neighbours and moving to safer areas in case of disaster or emergency.”
Winnie Kalai, a representative of people with disabilities, said the information is viable, especially for vulnerable groups like people with disabilities and the elderly who are at risk during El Nino.
By Seline Nyangere and Sammy Rayiani
