KISUMU, Kenya – The Kenyan government, in partnership with several international development agencies, has mobilized Sh.39.3 billion to initiate a local climate action financing scheme aimed at empowering vulnerable communities affected by climate change. This significant financial commitment marks a critical step forward in Kenya’s fight against climate change impacts, particularly in rural areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds are allocated for the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, which aims to direct climate finance to those most in need. Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary, highlighted that this program would extend to 45 rural counties following the success of pilot projects that demonstrated the effectiveness of localized climate change funds. The initiative, backed by the World Bank, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, intends to ensure a systematic distribution of resources to bolster resilience among the most affected demographics.
The FLLoCA initiative is designed to foster cooperation across different levels of governance and with international partners, aiming to create a comprehensive response to climate challenges. During the launch event in Kisumu for the Lake Region Economic Bloc counties, Prof Ndung’u pointed out the critical issue of funding scarcity for community-level climate adaptation and development, emphasizing the initiative’s role in combating poverty exacerbated by environmental changes.
The program is particularly focused on enhancing local capacities in 16 counties within the Lake Region Economic Bloc to manage climate finance effectively, promoting sustainable development and resilience against climate-related adversities. Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya also underscored the importance of this collaboration, recognizing the pressing need for substantial resources to support the country’s broader climate goals.
The FLLoCA’s strategic approach includes prioritizing specific ecosystems in each county for targeted interventions, leveraging existing organizational frameworks to maximize impact and efficiency. The concerted effort underlines the commitment of both Kenyan authorities and their global partners to address the pressing challenges of climate change, aiming to deliver tangible benefits at the community level and contribute to the national and global environmental agenda.
