Bungoma county secures Sh401 million to combat climate change
Business
By
Juliet Omelo
| May 01, 2024
Bungoma county government has secured Sh401 million from the World Bank and the Federal Government of Germany (GTIZ).
Out of the Sh401 million, the World Bank contributed Sh208 million while GTIZ gave out Sh112 million and Bungoma county contributed Sh80 million.
The funds will be utilised on climate change initiatives in the county that heavily relies on agriculture and natural resources including Mt Elgon forest, rivers and hills to drive its economy.
Governor Kenneth Lusaka acknowledged that human activities were exerting pressure on the environment and natural resources, causing climate change impacts such as reduced agricultural yields, water scarcity, and floods.
"To address these challenges, the county is committed to mitigating and adapting to climate change to enhance community resilience," said Dr Lusaka.
READ MORE
FIFA reveals 48 World Cup team base training sites
'Stop misleading Kenyans on Finance Bill 2026,' Mbadi tells opposition leaders
Why Rutonomics is not working for ordinary Kenyans
Finality vs fairness: When arbitration brings a dilemma
Why Kenya feels like 1895 all over again
Government push for disability inclusion
Groups raise concerns over Tobacco Bill
Why Ruto, Ouattara meeting is important for Kenya and Ivory Coast
Ruto hosts African leaders at State House ahead of summit
Bill for two decades of failure by football officials is now due
During the unveiling of the participatory climate risk assessment report and the climate change action plan (2023-2027), Jane Mukonambi, the county Climate Change director underscored the importance of community involvement in identifying hazards and risks.
The report and action plan, developed with input from communities, will guide climate change mitigation efforts.
Mukonambi highlighted the formation of ward climate change committees to support action plan implementation and ongoing initiatives like tree planting.
Each ward in Bungoma county has formed a committee that will conduct public participation where the community will give their views on effects of climate change.
"We have already started implementing some of the action plans for example tree planting," she said.
Herbert Kibunguchy, the County Environment, Natural Resources, Water, Climate Change, and Tourism Executive emphasized the effects climate change and its implications for the county's socioeconomic sectors and sustainable development.
Kibunguchy called for aligning of the county climate action plan with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.
"The global temperatures have risen above the pre-industrial level resulting in global warming and rising sea level," he said.