Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru is leveraging a new Climate Change Action Plan to address the adverse effects of climate change, enhance food security, and create jobs and investment opportunities. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Dr. Nelson Maara, emphasized that the county is banking on the ambitious 2024/25 Action Plan. The plan is tailored for local communities, with 55 ward climate change committees acting as lead ambassadors, and draws from traditional knowledge of climate change and weather patterns.
According to Kenya News Agency, the devolved unit is keen to capitalize on opportunities presented by climate change, prioritizing agriculture and renewable energy investments for job creation and wealth generation. Dr. Maara highlighted his department’s focus on managing solid waste, providing safe drinking water to residents, and addressing climate change through locally-led initiatives. These remarks were made during public hearings on the County Climate Actions 2024/25 and the sectoral proposals for the Nakuru County Fiscal Strategy Paper and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Budget 2025/2026 – 2027/2028.
The Financing of the Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program is identified as a critical funding mechanism supporting the Climate Change Unit in enhancing community resilience and sustainability. Dr. Maara commended development partners, including the National Government and the World Bank, for their support of the county’s climate change agenda. Efforts to improve environmental conservation include tree planting campaigns to curb soil erosion and enhance forest cover.
During the meeting, residents raised concerns over water shortages in some parts of the county and challenges in solid waste management, particularly at the Giotto dumpsite. Dr. Maara acknowledged these issues and outlined updates on ongoing water projects funded by FLLoCA and the County Government, efforts to replace leaking pipes, and the procurement of land in Naivasha for waste disposal.
Nakuru is also implementing green energy programs targeting learning institutions, homesteads, and vulnerable groups. The county government is encouraging environmental conservation and renewable energy use, starting from schools. Schools are encouraged to start livestock keeping, grow crops, and use biogas for fuel and lighting.
Dr. Maara expressed satisfaction with the progress of community interventions at the forefront of climate resilience, noting that the incorporation of local adaptation priorities is improving food production and water conservation. Acting Director for Environment and Climate Change, Ms. Grace Karanja, noted that despite these efforts, the country continues to grapple with climate change impacts, citing recent heavy rains.
Ms. Karanja emphasized the importance of programs like FLLoCA in addressing adaptation and resilience measures at rural and urban levels. The county government plays a critical role in implementing localized climate action plans, managing land use, promoting sustainable agriculture, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
In line with the County Climate Action Plans (CCAP) and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) III-2023-2027, counties are expected to integrate climate resilience into infrastructure, development, urban planning, and disaster preparedness to reduce vulnerability to climate-related risks. The FLLoCA project aims to build the capacity of counties to plan, implement, budget, and report on their local actions, in line with national climate goals.